Picking Kyoto madder

What is used for madder dyeing is the root.

It takes three years to grow. We grow it in a field in Ninose and at Shizuhara-en on Yakuo-zaka.
We will dig it up in late autumn this year and use it for dyeing next year. The quantity is limited.

Dig it, wash it, simmer it, and a red colour comes out.
Depending on the strength of the bath and the number of dips, it gives not only red but yellow and pink.

Kyoto madder has long been used to dye the vestments of shrines and temples, and the cords of armour and helmets.
We are looking forward to dyeing mokufu cloth with it too.

At the workshop, we will dye fabric with this Kyoto madder.