Geocolor: Hachimantai Geothermal Dyeing
In Hachimantai city, Matsuoyoriki, 0195-78-2451.
At this oldest geothermal area in Japan, which dates back almost 50 years to 1966 and is located in an area famous for skiing, visitors can watch as professionals dye fabric with geothermal steam that uses energy from hot springs and contains a perfect balance of hydrogen sulfide. This is the only place in the world where public thermal dying is done. It is an eco-friendly process, and it creates the perfect gradation of colors. At the Hachimantai Geothermal Dyeing facility, visitors can try their hand at dyeing handkerchiefs or small scarves. The process involves tying fabric squares into cigar-like shapes, then dipping them in color, steaming them in a geothermal oven, and finally unwrapping them to the delight of all.
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| tie-died cloths in rinse bucket at Geocolor: Hachimantai Geothermal Dyeing in Hachimantai city, Japan |
At this oldest geothermal area in Japan, which dates back almost 50 years to 1966 and is located in an area famous for skiing, visitors can watch as professionals dye fabric with geothermal steam that uses energy from hot springs and contains a perfect balance of hydrogen sulfide. This is the only place in the world where public thermal dying is done. It is an eco-friendly process, and it creates the perfect gradation of colors. At the Hachimantai Geothermal Dyeing facility, visitors can try their hand at dyeing handkerchiefs or small scarves. The process involves tying fabric squares into cigar-like shapes, then dipping them in color, steaming them in a geothermal oven, and finally unwrapping them to the delight of all.
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| instructor holds sample tie-died cloth with starfish design at Geocolor: Hachimantai Geothermal Dyeing in Hachimantai city, Japan |
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| instructor holds sample tie-died cloth at Geocolor: Hachimantai Geothermal Dyeing in Hachimantai city, Japan |
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| tie-died cloth based on photo in book at Geocolor: Hachimantai Geothermal Dyeing in Hachimantai city, Japan |
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| instructor demonstrates dipping tie-died cloth at Geocolor: Hachimantai Geothermal Dyeing in Hachimantai city, Japan |
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| student dips tie-died cloth at Geocolor: Hachimantai Geothermal Dyeing in Hachimantai city, Japan |
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| thermal steam oven at Geocolor: Hachimantai Geothermal Dyeing in Hachimantai city, Japan |
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| instructor displays student's tie-dyed cloth at Geocolor: Hachimantai Geothermal Dyeing in Hachimantai city, Japan |
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| exterior of AlpenRose cafe at Geocolor: Hachimantai Geothermal Dyeing in Hachimantai city, Japan |
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| cup of tea at AlpenRose cafe at Geocolor: Hachimantai Geothermal Dyeing in Hachimantai city, Japan |
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| instructor irons student projects at AlpenRose cafe at Geocolor: Hachimantai Geothermal Dyeing in Hachimantai city, Japan |
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| young boy delivers finished student projects at AlpenRose cafe at Geocolor: Hachimantai Geothermal Dyeing in Hachimantai city, Japan |
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Those are some beautiful designs. I never realized just how artistic tie dye could be. Thanks for sharing some behind the scenes steps.
ReplyDeleteI remember trying tie dyeing at school, but our efforts were nothing like as impressive as the designs here!
ReplyDeleteWow! These tie-dyed prints are beautiful! How interesting that they're done in a geothermal. I'd love to learn more about this in person. I can't imagine anything I create looking as good as that beautiful starfish print, but maybe with some help...
ReplyDelete