[Osaka Kansai Expo] Professor Imabuku exhibits at the 3rd Japan International Art Festival

As part of the "Art that Connects the World and Creates the Future" project of the 3rd Japan International Art Festival, which was held from July 2nd to 6th at the main venue of the Osaka-Kansai Expo Messe "WASSE," Professor Imafuku Fumiyo Faculty of Architecture & Arts who is a plant dye researcher and artist, and Professor Morishita Shoji, an archaeologist of the Faculty of Faculty of Intercultural Japanese Studies exhibited works including a kimono dyed using techniques from 1,000 years ago, which was recreated in a collaborative research project.

The roots of the purple plant are called "purple roots" and have been treasured since ancient times as a dye for the most noble color, purple. Professor Imabukuro and Professor Morishita, in collaboration with Associate Professor Higashimura Junko of Fukui University, conducted an experiment over four years to recreate the ancient purple dyeing method. The kimono exhibited this time was dyed purple using an ancient dyeing method based on that research, together with students from Otemae University and local children in Kyotango City in 2024. Boats dyed with the colors of the plant were also floated at the venue.

Additionally, on Japan Day, July 3rd, an open workshop entitled "Ancient Color Dyeing Experience! Dyeing Tango Silk with Natural Dyes" was held at the seminar venue. On the day, approximately 250 people were free to participate and experienced natural dyeing using plant dyes that have been used since ancient times, such as sappan and gardenia. The fabric used was Tango crepe, a kimono fabric provided by Yoshimura Shoten Co., Ltd., and the dyes were provided by Tanaka Direct Dye Store, and the event was supported by staff, mainly students from our university. All participants were pleased to take home their own creations.

(Source: School Public Relations)