I just returned from several weeks in China, where I did an artist residency at the Jinze Art Center near Shanghai. The residency was  focused on weaving and the study of Chinese local “tubu” cloth from the 1950’s and 60’s.

Cotton tubu fabrics

I also participated in a natural dye workshop with Japanese dye master, Dr. Kazuki  Yamazaki. Dr. Yamasaki is a 3rd generation natural dyer and his family has specialized in the traditional dye processes, which they have meticulously researched from the Japanese Heian Dynasty (about a thousand years ago). He is a well-respected practitioner, author and teacher.

Dr. Tomoko Torimaru with silks dyed by Dr. Yamazaki

Each day we explored a different red dye on silk yarns and fabrics: Sappanwood (Caesalpinia sappan), Madder (Rubia Cordifolia), Lac (Laccifer lacca), Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius), and Purple Root/Gromwell (Lithospermum purpurocaeruleum). These are all special colors that would have been used by…