This striking silk scarf was once part of a vintage Japanese kimono.
The design has been created by hand using traditional techniques of shibori, a form of Japanese tie-dye that uses sewing and wrapping to create texture and resist an isolate dye.
The little circles on the stem and leaves of the growing flower are kanoko made by tie-ing tiny pinches and the buds sewn and pulled tight before dye is applied. The colours are dip dyed. It depicts the bellflower (Kikyou) a native to Japan and a symbol of unchanging love, honesty and obedience.
The weave of the fabric has a design of overlapping waves wave (nami) a natural unending symbol, representing eternity, as the waves never cease. The similarity to rolling hills is not accidental and they carry similar meanings.
Red/brown colours are highly valued as they link to the earth, growth and security.
