Learn to dye fabric using traditional techniques at a 130-year old honzome atelier

Details

• Private and Group Experience

• Location: Katsushika-ku, Tokyo

• 2 hours (Group) and 3 hours (Private)

• 15 people max for group workshop and 2 people max for private workshop

• Offered in Japanese, with friendly Deeper Japan guide interpreting in English
  (French/German/Spanish interpretation may be available upon request)

Infinite hues

The vibrant and evocative patterns of honzome, appearing in yukata and tenugui (Japanese hand towels), are emblematic of Japanese textiles. Using the method of ‘chusen’, which means ‘pouring dye’, artisans outline designs with special glues and then pour dye onto the cloth. The dye bleeds through the fabric, so multiple layers of cloth can be produced with the same design. Traditional dyes are made using pigments from plants or other organic sources, resulting in colors that are inimitable with chemical pigments. Create your own unique tenugui design and feel the handcrafted warmth behind the art of honzome.  

What you’ll do

Group Workshop:
Experience the art of dyeing tenugui (Japanese hand towels) with this 2-hour workshop. You'll create seasonally inspired patterns and take home two beautiful dyed pieces. Guided by an expert instructor, you'll go through various artisan processes, including applying glue with stencils and dyeing with specialized tools and vibrant colors.

Private Workshop:
Experience the art of dyeing with this 3-hour workshop, where you'll create 10 tenugui (Japanese hand towels) featuring beautiful, continuous patterns like those on yukata (summer kimonos). Choose from two stencil templates and customize the colors and dyeing variations yourself. Under the guidance of an expert instructor, you'll go through various artisan processes, including applying glue with stencils and dyeing with specialized tools and vibrant dyes.

Includes

Tenugui fabric
Pamphlet on how to use tenugui

Who can attend

Children must be 13+

What to wear

Clothing that you don’t mind getting dirty

What else you should know

Honzome work involves the use of a sulfide product. Although it isn’t harmful, you may notice the odor during the experience.

You may choose your favorite color and traditional design from the variety of options that the masters offer

For groups, with more than 6 people, please send an email at info@deeperjapan.com

Availability

Everyday
Group:
Session 1 (10:00 - 12:00)
Session 2 (14:00 - 16:00)

Private:
Session 1 (9:45 - 12:30)

Access

40 min from Tokyo Station

Cancellation Policy

Please make your booking at least 7 days in advance. See cancellation policy here.
* A detailed itinerary will be emailed to you once your booking has been confirmed.

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