Fukizome (blow-dyeing)
Fukizome consists in blowing small particles of liquid dye onto the paper.
The intensity of the color can be varied by changing the blowing style, and patterns can be obtained by using stencils. There are some examples of early Buddhist texts decorated using the fukizome method while medieval Buddhist texts also have their covers decorated with this technique. Most of these early examples are brown, probably obtained from the clove (Japanese chōji, Syzygium aromaticum) or from persimmon tannin. The former is known as chōji-buki (literally, “clove-blowing”).
Watch the video to see examples of covers colored by fukizome. The color of the examples introduced in the video is either persimmon extract (kakishibu) or clove.
Books introduced in the video:
- Ryūju Bosatsu Nenju Shidai, Nanboku-chō period
Click to see the image and information - Kin’yōwakashū, Early Edo period
Click to see the image and information
The Art of Washi Paper in Japanese Rare Books
The Art of Washi Paper in Japanese Rare Books
Reach your personal and professional goals
Unlock access to hundreds of expert online courses and degrees from top universities and educators to gain accredited qualifications and professional CV-building certificates.
Join over 18 million learners to launch, switch or build upon your career, all at your own pace, across a wide range of topic areas.
