A Length of Extremely Finely Hand Plied Hemp or Ramie: Safflower Dye

mid to late nineteenth century
53" x 11 1/2", 134 cm x 29 cm

This is a length of extremely finely finished hemp or ramie cloth which is hand woven from hand plied yarns. The quality of this bast fiber cloth is exceedingly good and more than likely was considered luxurious in the era it was produced.

It has been dyed using safflower or, as it is called in Japan, benibana.

Benibana dye yields a range of color from pale yellow to a deeply toned, almost "shocking"pink color, depending on how the dye was manipulated and which mordant was used to set it.

This length shows a kind of attractive, dulled salmon color, rather pale and faint. It also shows two delicately placed patches, shown in the detail photos.

Safflower dye is notoriously fragile and light fugitive so take caution when using or displaying this piece: prolonged exposure to direct light will make it fade. As well, it is advisable not to wash this length as the dye could be affected by water and detergent.

The cloth is old and beautifully woven--and this nuanced color tone of benibana is a joy to behold, and somewhat rare.