In Search of Forgotten Colours - Sachio Yoshioka and the Art of Natural Dyeing

This is a compendium of four short films with English subtitles.
Sachio Yoshioka is the fifth-generation head of the Somenotsukasa Yoshioka dye workshop in Fushimi, southern Kyoto. When he succeeded to the family business in 1988, he abandoned the use of synthetic colours in favour of dyeing solely with plants and other natural materials. 30 years on, the workshop produces an extensive range of extremely beautiful colours.
Mr Yoshioka generously made two gifts of naturally dyed textile and paper samples to the V&A in 2016 and 2017. The process of creating these samples was recorded for a documentary broadcast in Japan in May 2017. The programme also explored the background to Mr Yoshioka’s passion for natural dyeing and his long-standing quest to revive historical colours whose methods of making have been forgotten.
The original footage from which the films have been compiled was taken using state-of-the-art 8K UHD (Ultra High Definition) technology developed by NHK Enterprises, Inc.The sequence of running is as follows:
In Search of Forgotten Colours - 5’15”
Beni Red (safflower; carthamus tinctorius) - 4’39”
Paper Flowers and the Omizutori Ceremony - 3’15”
Murasaki Purple (purple gromwell; lithospermum erythrorhizon) - 4’17”
The V&A is grateful to NHK Enterprises, Inc. and Art True Film for permission to use this material.

[@amandapage5677]

They NEED to make a book, plain and simple. This man spent 30 years of his life studying this and searching for text to help him revive this. It would be a great loss to the world if this were completely lost to time. I can tell you, I would snap that book up in a heartbeat. I never thought you could get the bright colors on display from just plants. I have seen other vegetable and plant dying examples...and they always look so dull. even if it's not a book for the masses, having one in a museum, or even having one in all art museums would be a treasure. Mr. Yoshioka and his master dyer need to write down every detail so that future generations can have this to study. A remarkable little film and just a wonderful taste of ancient knowledge.

[@fionafiona1146]

The NHK has professionals documenting the "intangible" cultural heritage of these craft shops in all media

[@Cut_Throat_Girl]

You have to keep in mind that those colours are so bright because he's dyeing silk. Animal fibers take natural dyes incredibly well while plant based fibers you need to process them a lot more and yet is really hard to achieve such vibrancy

[@eskimberly7424]

fiona fiona what does NHK stand for?

[@fionafiona1146]

@@eskimberly7424 It's a Japanese acronym for public broadcasting service like the German ARD/ZDF (first and second station with slightly different purpose) NHKWorld happens to broadcast elderly people spending weeks to tie dye a single kimono because they pinsh hundreds of tiny (later recognizable) flowers from the fabric and dye several stages or couples carving wooden Buddha statues and decorating them with gold leaf crosshatch... English heritage (UK foundation) is publishing much less accessible, maybe they don't record either.

[@MossyMozart]

@@lifeby2044 - Amanda seems to understand. She just wants the information not to be lost and wants to be able to use that information, too. I do not blame her. And yes, silk does take dyes BEAUTIFULLY!

[@cazfarri]

Whoever filmed this needs to be hired by a major studio, gorgeous.

[@___xyz___]

@Chiriac Puiu I think he's referring to the shots, the composition of each image and the camera movement. It's very, very thoughtfully done. You can tell it was taken by someone with a lot of skill and a lot of passion.

[@enamored1]

It’s a museum video, not everyone sells their soul for brand deals

[@epochii2756]

@@enamored1 I think they meant that this photographer deserves to be better recognized, seeing their talent and skill.

[@BooRadleyTube]

@@enamored1 "Sells their soul?" I think a lot of great filmmakers would object to that.

[@lydiarowe491]

Beautifully filmed honouring this story totally..it made me feel so much of what was gentle and pure thru the work it took to make fibre mimic nature..

[@andreafahnestock5748]

I was saddened to see that Mr. Yoshioka died last year, in 2019. How lovely to have this film as a record of his work and dedication.

[@evelanpatton]

Thank you for sharing this insight. One hopes his business was passed on within the folks whom he worked under & with for it to continue for several generations beyond our limited modern understudied times.

[@jj.1412]

@@evelanpatton looks like yes. kzbin.info/www/bejne/gaeuiJR7ls-agbs

[@LambentOrt]

It's so wonderful to watch a video that doesn't have unnecessarily loud music running all through it... the narrative flow detailing the process is almost matter of fact and yet poetic... and those colours are stunning!

[@fableagain]

In that case you might like the Li Ziqi channel! It's incredibly interesting and calming, just like this video.

[@mirandamarais6149]

Kirsten dirksen's bids are the same.

[@hugholiveiro2081]

WELL SAID......

[@PeterQuentercrimsonbamboo]

Yes yes and yes ! Tutorials, documentaries, instructional videos... all with the same same same mass-produced artificial music, often too loud, mostly utterly inappropriately and out-of-place- overly grandiosely dramatic emotionally manipulative music... more often if does not contribute to- but distracts from- and discredits the actual message -

[@catherinejustcatherine1778]

So beautifully phrased

[@lillab6338]

It is crazy how things get discovered...and then forgotten, and then re-discovered....and the circle goes on and on.....always back to nature.

[@julecaesara482]

Those veins 15:35 you can tell he has done this job for centuries

[@azell2913]

Decades unless he's a vampire

[@salmonbirdz]

Those veins are beautiful

[@dianeaishamonday9125]

A strong man who brightens the world with color 💖 love love LOVE

[@PaulsGarage]

His forearms are more muscly than my legs

[@more__plz]

The Murasaki Purple fibers moving in the water took my breath away 🙏🏽

[@Sarawarawara-]

The fibres look like fish swimming when he splashes the water, this entire video is so magical

[@user-zq2mi1bc8d]

Same here. I’ve seen many a purple but none quite like that.

[@TheMargoCHANNING]

I've no idea why this came up in my recommendations but I'm so glad it did.

[@Jeanniebugg]

Same

[@TheMargoCHANNING]

@The Media Lies Against Islam 🤣🤣🤣🤣 black no sugar for me please 😁

[@TheMargoCHANNING]

@The Media Lies Against Islam cheers ☕🍪

[@hannageocado8485]

Same

[@pchabanowich]

A humble root. Some magical threads. Care. Purple the gods sigh to see. And we weep to see.🙏

[@ideoformsun5806]

I hope this man has several apprentices. And writes down his knowledge someday. This is an art that young people should be learning as part of the culture. Artificial dyes are toxic. We may need this knowledge again soon.

[@louisc.gasper7588]

The idea that "natural" means "safe" and that synthetic substances are necessarily toxic is both wrong and dangerously simple-minded. None of these natural dyes will stay in the fabric unless a mordant is used, and most mordants involve heavy metals. There are plenty of natural dyestuffs that are toxic in themselves, wholly aside from the mordant, and there are synthetic dyes that are entirely safe not only to have on the skin but to eat. We "need" the knowledge because the loss of any art is the loss of part of our human inheritance, the loss of what it is that distinguishes us most strongly from brute animals. We should encourage the preservation of these arts, but let's not be foolish about it and think that what is synthetic is necessarily worse than what is natural.

[@ideoformsun5806]

Louis C. Gasper I'm talking about AZO dyes which are commonly used and are carcinogenic.

[@louisc.gasper7588]

@@ideoformsun5806 Glad to have the clarification, but AZO dyes are so widely banned that I am unsure the phrase "commonly used" is correct. The larger point remains that wearing clothing dyed with most synthetic dyes does not increase the risk of cancer and even among food dyes, which are directly ingested, only Red number 3 has been shown to possibly pose such a risk. As I say, the greater risk surely comes from the mordant, which often enough is a salt of copper, chromium, or cobalt. We can hope that these craftsmen are using something relatively safe, like aluminum sulfate.

[@M1XEDBAG]

Ideoform Sun I think Louis Gasper is shilling for the big dye companies lol

[@catzkeet4860]

The Grappler and I think you’re slightly dense. A perfectly reasonable explanation of their position was made, and your response was not to refute the statement in ANY reasonable way, but to name call like a child.

[@empera3zz]

This should be made in a extended tv series. When art, craft and alchemy makes magic. Colors are magical tool to express your self and makes people feel.

[@voraciousreader3341]

Maybe the artisan is more interested in his craft than making TV shows…..

[@catswirejewelry]

@@voraciousreader3341 Actually Sachio Yoshioka died a few years ago. I haven't heard, though, if someone from his workshop continued the experiments with natural dyes.

[@robineur]

I am deeply grateful for having been given the opportunity to watch this short, meditative film, dedicated to plant colors. It revives in me a form of reverence for the gifts humankind continues to receive - and so often overlooks. If you are yourself an artist - in any one of the arts - you will appreciate the values that this film has to offer you. Goodness, Beauty, and Truth are present here, just as they have been in the past, in the present, and will be in the future.

[@pdrg]

Superb film, very meditative, beautifully presented.

[@Ursaminor31]

Paddy Robinson-Griffin well said

[@jasonmack2569]

Agree.

[@traditionalcooking8482]

This is one of the video.s I chanced upon .when I was doing a read up on natural forgotten techniques of dye making .for fabrics . So happy tht I got to see this .. We in india.also give a lot of importance to eco friendly natural dyeing of fabric .one such work is Kalamkari of Sri.kahahasti. The whole painting n dyeing is done completely from extracting colors from plants .colors like black from iron n jaggery ...one just falls in love with the whole labour consuming process of extracting these colors . Only a person who is passionately in love with natural colors from plants ..can work with them . Hope we can all turn back to our ancient ways in coloring our fabrics ..this is probably one of the many ways to give to our new generation a better safe world

[@1995Pie]

i think this is the best purple me eyes have ever seen. i will always remember this color

[@user-dlwjdk231oenqzk]

The production value is through the roof. I would love more recommendations for videos like this.

[@user-dlwjdk231oenqzk]

to answer my own question, this channel kzbin.info/door/3N0EPxNFKDFKHFNhB9YaZw is the closest I’ve found. It focuses on the work of traditional Japanese artisans with minimal narration and seems to update about every other week.

[@Bernardt_Art]

@@user-dlwjdk231oenqzk oh thank you lovely

[@GordiansKnotHere]

1:45 The visions of intense fever dreams... Incredible colors, beautiful work.

[@Iflie]

I hope they preserved all their knowledge well, the whole reason such things get lost is because the methods were kept too secret.

[@MusesWhim]

Unfortunately a lot of the techniques used in kimono production are family secrets and are being lost. But it's a lot more than that. Kimono are no longer daily wear and taking over the family business often isn't financially viable. And because these small businesses are so reliant on each other (the embroiderers buy fabric from the weavers who buy threads from the dyers) when one closes it can take down others with it.

[@Iflie]

@@MusesWhim Yeah i remember this really precious gold fabric made from threads of mollusks, they have a whole museum about it yet they still refuse to pass on how they do it despite family not being that interested. I understand tradition and the work security of keeping things secret but I do not think that is more important than preserving historic knowledge. I think that's more important than one family.

[@hindugoat2302]

@@MusesWhim this technology is obsolete, we have far more advanced ways of producing colors these days. if this way was better we would still do it

[@MusesWhim]

@@hindugoat2302 Wow. On the off chance you're not just trying to pick a fight... Knowledge is very valuable, and should never be discarded. The dying technique shown here could almost certainly never be recreated once lost. It has value as a chemical, historic, and artistic process. There are so many factors involved in the desirability of a dye it's not possible to say what is "better". Is the Gros Michel banana "better", or is the Cavandish "better"?

[@hindugoat2302]

@@MusesWhim thats like saying we need to study cave men spears so we dont lose that knowledge of hunting... We have come so far and most of that old technology is obsolete in the modern world. There are records of it if we want to study it for historic or cultural reasons, but it will never be useful again unless we are bombed back to primitive times, in which case you would lose your records of this stuff anyway. People have a strong attachment to the old way of doing things and dont like to let go, they get a wholesome feeling from the old ways and the new ways seem cold and automated, detached from human toil.

[@r3toun]

This is what ASMR tries to be

[@jinagibson6818]

r3toun I was just thinking the same. there's always more to listen for than whatever meets the eyes. I love colors and patterns.

[@dianeaishamonday9125]

This will end up on Best Unintentional ASMR for sure!

[@selakery3297]

The colors of natural dyes are absolutely STUNNING. I hope that there are now others that are continuing this forgotten art and that it doesn't die with these gentlemen. Everything nowdays has to be fast so that they can make more money. Natural dyeing is labor intensive and takes time and love. But the finished piece can not be replicated with modern technology.

[@CampingforCool41]

The intensity of those colors is amazing, I’ve never seen plant dyes so bright.

[@dotcafilm]

Watching this is practically a meditative experience. Profoundly beautiful and informative too. Ace. As others have said, well done.

[@johnpluta1768]

In Japan certain colors are worn during different seasons. Pastels are reserved for spring and summer. Darker colors are for autumn and winter, in regards to the kimonos worn during seasons of the year.

[@Kardinaalilintu]

I have nothing but deep respect and admiration for these people and their skilled work. It is joy to see such dedication to ones trade.

[@sharonlong8969]

The Japanese, as usual, are amazing! Stunning colours and extensive knowledge. Thank you.

[@bwane5961]

This is probably one of the most beautiful videos I've seen in KZbin

[@frithbarbat]

Oh, I wanted to see all the colors done. This is lovely. I lived in Japan and speak Japanese - I appreciate the little snippets of the language as well as the gorgeous visuals.

[@FrankLeeWillis]

I can't believe that sort of deep purple is obtained with plants! Seriously beautiful colors... my desire to go to japan has heightened once more!

[@kanamichelle7404]

I could watch this for hours. True craftsmanship. I also love the hard work and the quiet dignity of the Japanese people and culture.

[@laifu_not_daijoubu4513]

The passion that must go into each dying process is insane. Every one of those peices of fabric are like an art peice that uses nothing other than color

[@tammielpowell]

Such an honor to watch a master at work. Thank you for sharing.

[@Ursaminor31]

Keeping this knowledge alive is vital to us all

[@J.Burrough]

I love the culture, land, history and the people of Japan.

[@slowpainful]

Absolutely stunning, a meditation. Allowing the process to take its own time, infinite patience. Heaven is in the details. Thank you so much for this.

[@angelaem205]

The purple coming from the roots of an endangered flower brought tears to my eyes. Humanity owes gratitude to Mr Sachio Yoshioka and everyone in his workshop for redefining colour as it should be, without acid chemicals and directly form nature...it makes you wonder how many colours elude us when just looking on a traditional piece of Japanese clothing or any fabric made artwork... 🙇🏻‍♀️🙇🏻‍♀️🙏🏻🙏🏻👏🏻👏🏻💧💚💙💗💛🌈

[@catzkeet4860]

Dyes are chemicals, and everything is acidic or basic. Please don’t cheapen this mans lifeworks with false notions of “nature” and “natural” yes it is beautiful, but it’s still a chemical process, and no less beautiful for it.

[@orlando1a1]

This video is magnificent.

[@vikashdenzil]

Absolutely stunning colours, the red and the purple. Good lord.

[@noomwa]

Breathtaking rainbow of colors!!! Human ingenuity, indeed.

[@kellyfloyd9506]

Even the Engishiki text at 14:09 had a type of beauty, the characters were so precise.

[@wireforest]

This video was a work of art in itself. to see the colors and hear the water , to watch the process, was a beautiful experience.

[@bobnewmanknott3433]

I can only repeat what others have said, a superb film , content, presentation and soundtrack Thanks you so much .What a blessing it is to have a man who preserves a wonderful technique I am in awe

[@arrowb3408]

Ohhhh, amazed to see the ancient Japanese discovered ash added in red as stabilizer agent. Very wise.

[@AnnabelleDrumm]

I've not seen a more sublimely elegant documentary in its direction and shooting ever before. It matches the Japanese minimalism and high class of their arts.

[@ThePattiw]

Gorgeous. Such a feeling of dedication to the craft comes through even with Mr. Yoshioka walking up the temple steps to deliver the paper. Sad news of his death, as per Andrea Fahnestock’s post.

[@NotAnAngryLesbian]

A lifetime of commitment

[@caramatt]

Wow. Absolutely gorgeous films that are packed with information. It's been a good while since I've seen an educational film this well done.

[@untitled6574]

He deserved all the recognition he can get, by that hard work he earned it!

[@elpeezy6995]

all unbearably gorgeous but that purple-it's otherworldly

[@jo-anneclarke7801]

Oh gosh the film has really impressed upon me the sacred use of fabric that is coloured by our world. Thank you for showing us.

[@PattyAgree]

Such a beautiful and relaxing film - and no music, thank you! Just the ambient noise, as if you were there…

[@mackenziekarsonovich1073]

Wow the colors are so bold and rich and saturated! I never thought plants could produce such vibrant dyes. And just imagine how long it must’ve taken for people to figure out back in the day.

[@TheOnlyDamien]

You reuploaded it with sound! Heck yeah, this is so gorgeous.

[@rupertfaulkner5841]

Yep, we try to listen! It's great that you and others have been enjoying it so much. Rupert Faulkner, V&A

[@TheOnlyDamien]

I and I am sure many others greatly appreciate it, the videos on this channel are like the hidden gems of the internet, I want my future to be in Museum Conservation and some of the videos on that topic/similar ones here are so inspiring and awesome. Plus the quality of videos like this one and many others that document these amazing arts that some may have never known about or never got a chance to see in their life, so thanks a lot once again :)

[@kristins.6183]

Stunning.

[@karppahavallia4293]

Wowwww.... fully blown away by this video..the colors are truly a feast to the eyes and soul...the whole video was like a meditation...so soothing... loving it a lot

[@BlackSeranna]

Thank you for posting this, it's beautiful!

[@Antoniathinks]

Favorite video ever.

[@SpicyKdestiny]

I clicked like after 3 seconds. Some of those colors are so vibrant and alive!

[@89Valkyrie]

I think I cried a couple times during this video.

[@sprinkhole58]

When they said "Alkali from [hard]wood ash" they are just talking about water + lye. When soaked in water, lye leaches out of HARDwood ash - making the water alkaline/basic (increasing it's PH). The same process (ash to lye water) was used traditionally while making soap. Because lye is so caustic and tends to corrode anything that it touches - COMMERCIAL use has fallen out of favor for less temperamental chemicals (consider all of the METAL in a commercial environment)..

[@giovannafedericobecker9697]

Absolutely outstanding! Thank you V&A.

[@foundobject]

Such a beautiful film. And so soothing to watch.

[@kisnpisn4919]

extremely beautiful

[@ambermask17]

Thanks Mr. Yoshioka

[@mamemckee2190]

Remarkable. Thank you.

[@palmamingozzi5736]

I loved this so much.

[@olive5890]

Beautiful, thanks for sharing!!

[@littlekristy2]

Mesmerizing...thank you for making and posting this film.

[@denise7024HM]

Absolutely breathtaking.

[@redfires5548]

I love everything about this documentary.

[@eblis921]

Very beautiful!

[@donnajohnson9834]

Overwhelmed by the dedication.

[@VeretenoVids]

So beautiful! Thank you!

[@2ancient2define97]

BEAUTIFUL and AMAZING! Thank you for sharing this.

[@Nembula]

Such beautiful colors ❤️

[@cathiematthews1359]

Thank you for sharing! ❤️ It touches the soul.

[@kostanabanjac4896]

Stunning

[@4MaryJaneInsane]

what a treat this video is! It is so inspiring!!!!

[@mintpinkbits]

oh so beautiful I could cry

[@lisascenic]

Thank you for this beautiful and fascinating film.

[@AcastaGneiss]

This is so peaceful to watch.

[@serenakiril]

What a beautiful, peaceful, and edifying video.

[@onzons7604]

the aesthetic is really pleasing

[@enbefilm4330]

Amazing video, thank you so much.

[@annsymons7207]

Very beautiful film - so gracious and peaceful

[@nellyandon8815]

What an amazing video. Thank you V&A

[@timaglam9140]

I am so blessed that I found this channel

[@ilovepiper666]

Just Incredible!

[@susanfellmclean5744]

very much appreciated - love story, and so well recorded.

[@lkmayhew9390]

Absolutely beautiful. What a treasure 👌🥰🙏

[@AlyxGlide]

Gorgeous!

[@randygeyer4730]

Thank you

[@designoergosum]

Beautiful video, thank you

[@woolfulrebellion]

The colors are so beautiful and vivid!

[@tliving19]

Everything about this is amazing, the dedication and the beauty

[@morgonerlenstar]

This was beautiful to watch. Thank you

[@krutibhavsar9534]

Beautifully filmed; Gorgeous.

[@jennief2108]

The best I have found on Natural Dyes a really beautiful video.. Thank you !

[@jerusalembible]

extraordinarily beautiful! Thank you.

[@jennief2108]

This is the most beautiful of all films here, I watch many times ...... thank you.

[@sarareimold3151]

So beautiful! I love this