A Length of Safflower Dyed Cotton: Pale Pink Benibana

early to mid twentieth century
42" x 13 3/4", 107 cm x 35 cm

This is a length of beautifully woven cotton that 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 an appealing pale pink tone, slightly in the cool range.

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.