Tsutsugaki

Tsutsugaki is a rice paste resist technique. Tsutsugaki is derived from the word 'tsutsu' meaning tube and 'gaki' meaning drawing. It is a technique of indigo dyeing in which rice paste is used instead wax. It started in 1337. This technique was highly popular in 116th century. It then slowly getting declined and then nearly diapperaed around the Second World War.

Tsutsugaki made banners had a important place in Buddhist temples. Ans even in the ceremonies of birth, marriage and death. Its uses has declined. Oldest Tsutsugaki sample in existence is seen in kyogen entertainers constume containing umbrella motifs. Firstly clothes like hemp was used but it was very hard to work with it. Then they start cultivating more cotton and then it was used.

Materials and Tools

Rice paste is mainly used in tsutsugaki, which contains one part bran,one part flour and one part water. 

A cone like structure is used to put paste where ever needed.

Vat dyes or natural dyes are used.

Process

• Design is drawn on the fabric with the help of a pencil.
• Rice paste is poured in the cone thing.
• Rice paste is applied where ever needed.
• The cloth is left to dry.
• The cloth is dyed.
• The process is repeated if multiple colours are needed.
• Rice paste is removed in boiling water.
• The cloth is ready.

References:

Tsutsugaki (2016). Available at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tsutsugaki (Accessed: 2 February 2017).

 Tsutsugaki, indigo folk fabric of Japan - Maison d’exceptions. Available at: http://www.maisondexceptions.com/en/tsutsugaki-indigo-folk-fabric-of-japan/ (Accessed: 2 February 2017).

 Minami textiles. Available at: https://minamitextiles.com/tag/tsutsugaki/ (Accessed: 3 February 2017).

Kimonoboy’s antique Japanese folk textiles. Available at: https://www.kimonoboy.com/tsutsugaki.html (Accessed: 3 February 2017).