Hitashi-zome (dip dyeing) demonstration
Meiji University Kurokawa Field Science Center hosted an open lecture titled “Exploring Murasaki (Lithospermum erythrorhizon), a Plant in the Manyoshu poems, and Shikon (lithospermum root) Dyeing” on December 16, 2024. The lecturers were YAMAZAKI Kazuki and YAMAZAKI Hiroki from Kusaki Kobo (Kusaki-zome Research Center Kakio Kobo, Kawasaki City, Kanagawa), and ITO Yoshikazu, a Senior Assistant Professor at Meiji University’s School of Agriculture. Around 100 attendees, including Kusaki Kobo students, natural-dyeing enthusiasts, and university staff, participated in the event.
The event was structured in two parts. The first part featured a lecture by YAMAZAKI Kazuki titled “Exploring Murasaki, a Plant in the Manyoshu Poems, and Shikon Dyeing — History and Techniques.” While providing a detailed explanation of the history and techniques of Shikon dyeing, the lecturer particularly emphasized the importance of Shikon (dried lithospermum root) quality and dyeing methods.
YAMAZAKI Kazuki giving a lecture
In the second part, Senior Assistant Professor ITO Yoshikazu lectured on Murasaki, and YAMAZAKI Kazuki and Hiroki demonstrated the Shikon dyeing process. Observing potted Murasaki plants and Shikon roots, the participants appeared to be deepening their understanding of the dyeing process.
At the end of the event, Professor IWASAKI Yasunaga, deputy director of Kurokawa Field Science Center, expressed his gratitude to the lecturers and the audience. Many attendees commented that the lecture was very insightful.
The lecture helped enrich understanding of Shikon (bluish-purple), the school color of Meiji University, and is expected to greatly contribute to the university’s future research and activities.
Cloth dyed using an alum mordant solution