Hi Everyone!
As yall know globally inspired design is my jam and it gets a lotta love here on SG Style. I love discovering design styles and techniques used in other countries and since I have a wandering heart I like to try to incorporate them in our home as much as possible. My newest fascination comes from one of the most beautiful cultures in the world (to me): Japan.
I’ve always had a love of Japanese culture and even had the pleasure of working for a Japanese company for a while. The language and customs are so beautiful and steeped in wonderful tradition. One such tradition is that of the centuries old technique known as the resist-dyeing art of Shibori. The word comes from the Japanese verb root shiboru, which means “to wring, squeeze, or press.” Shibori explores a multitude of ways of embellishing textiles by shaping cloth and securing it before dyeing…traditionally with indigo. Some of the ways of binding is by folding, crumpling, tucking twisting, scrunching, plaiting, etc. The process results in some of the most incredible and visually stunning designs. There are many many different techniques of shibori, and typically the type fabric youre working with dictates the specific technique used to bind it. This aint your regular old grade school tie dye here friends. This process is centuries old. The craft takes a lifetime to perfect and is often passed down through generations.
Interestingly enough, just like the poorer berber women who created the amazing boucherouite rugs, Shibori was originally an art of the poor. Those that couldn’t afford and /or were forbidden from wearing finer fabrics, such as silk, would use cotton or hemp to make clothes, and since they couldn’t afford to replace them regularly they would re-dye their clothing using the Shibori method to give them a new look and extended life. Again, I’m a sucker for the underdog and a good backstory, so naturally this makes me love and appreciate the art even more. Im loving seeing it venture its way into the interior design world…
And I mean, yall know how much I adore indigo. I cant wait to try my hand at it. I’ll be creating some fun Shibori pieces for the bungalow that Im super excited about. Until next time loves..
Xo-Shavonda
Charlotte @ Ciburbanity says
YASSS M’aam!! I’m on your shibori train hard. I have some to put on dining room chairs. I’m terrible at dying it myself, but found a fun pattern on Minted of all places. Love all this eye candy!!
Kimberly Duran says
Love the backstory on this – so interesting!! And can’t wait to see what you come up with! xxx
Michelle says
Gorgeous. Enough said.
Corinna - A Designer At Home says
I swear we must be on some kind of same wavelength or something. I’ve had shibori on my mind all week! Loved the history lesson on it. That’s why I come to you!
Tricia @ Suburban Bitches says
Oh I’m loving all this inspiration! I decided today to take my slipcovers in a different direction and try watercoloring them in indigo. We’ll see how that goes! If not I’m back to the Shibori!
Jacinta says
I have to say that at first I wasn’t gonna read this post because I am feeling absolutely lazy today, but I am so glad I did. Although I have seen a lot of shibori lately, I appreciate reading the history behind it. I hope you find a really creative way to incorporate it into your bungalow!
Jennifer@The Chronicles of Home says
Oooooh, fun! Can’t wait to see what you shibori!
Catherine says
I love shibori! I really want to make a quilt with some sold whites and shibori pieces. Are you familiar with nankeen? It’s an ancient Chinese block printing technique, also traditionally using indigo. Look it up, you’d love it! This etsy shop has some great items: https://www.etsy.com/shop/NankeenDesign
Shavonda says
Hi Catherine. Im not familiar with Nankeen. It sounds wonderful though. Ill definitely look into it. Thank you so much:)
Megan says
Oh wow! What a great story and design. I love the inspiration photos, especially those curtains! Good luck with it.