Core Kyoto

Phantom Dyeing: Ancient Colors of Prayer Revived

Heian courtiers 1,200 years ago wore robes made of fabric dyed with medicinal herbs to produce colors of prayer for peace and to keep evil at bay. But most of these colors have been lost to time. Fascinated with these forgotten pigments, some Kyotoites are endeavoring to revive them and create new dyeing techniques. Discover how people have taken up the challenge by learning from the classics and the ancients, cultivating wild plants to be used for pigments, and making handcrafted garments.