KAKISHIBU
A TANNIN-RICH DYE EXTRACT
OF THE JAPANESE PERSIMMON FRUIT
Kakishibu has a rich cultural heritage that dates back centuries in ancient Japan.
We love taking our dye projects outside in the summer months!
Tuesday, July 21, 2026
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KAKISHIBU
A TANNIN-RICH DYE EXTRACT
OF THE JAPANESE PERSIMMON FRUIT
Kakishibu has a rich cultural heritage that dates back centuries in ancient Japan. This natural dye, derived from fermented unripe persimmon fruit, holds a special place in Japanese traditional crafts of textiles, paper and woodwork. Renowned for its rich amber colour, durability, and eco-friendly properties, kakishibu continues to captivate artisans.
The dyeing process involves first extracting tannins from the unripe fruit of the kaki (persimmon) tree, specifically the astringent variety known as ‘shibu’. The fruits are collected, peeled, and left to ferment in water for several months to several years. The process of fermentation allows for the release of tannic acid, which gives kakishibu its distinct characteristics.
Kakishibu on textiles has been used for centuries. The dye can be applied through various techniques, including direct application, stencil dyeing, and immersion dyeing. The result is not only a stunning colour but imbues natural fibres with enhanced durability, water repellency, and resistance to insects.
Kakishibu is used extensively in traditional Japanese fine woodworking. Wood artisans use the dye to protect and beautify a variety of wooden objects such as furniture, flooring, and tools. The tannins in kakishibu act as a natural wood preservative and offer protection against insects, fungi, and moisture. The dye enhances the natural beauty of wood by deepening its colour and creating a rich, aged, weathered appearance.
Tuesday, June 23, 2026
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Tuesday, April 07, 2026
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NATURAL DYES – NATURAL COLOUR
We use natural dyes extensively in our own production. This is the best way to know how a dye behaves and to see the changes that happen from harvest to harvest.
Thursday, January 29, 2026
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We’ve hand-selected some of our very favourite things as well as gift ideas that we love. The work of skilled artisans speaks through weave, stitch, pattern, and colour—and adds a layer of meaning that never fades.
Friday, December 12, 2025
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An inspiring manual full of recipes for artists to create their own pigments, paints, and pastels from botanical sources.
Monday, November 17, 2025
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Monday, September 29, 2025
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PENLAND SCHOOL OF CRAFT
Teachers Sophena Kwon and Danielle Bush from the Maiwa School of Textiles recently taught an in-person Print & Paint workshop at the wonderful Penland School of Craft. It was a delight to see everything offered in our online course come to life through 12 students over two weeks in June.
Students worked through techniques that unlock the secrets of direct application of natural colour—making mordant pastes, thickened dye pastes, and the versatile mordant-dye paste.
LEARN WITH MAIWA IN YOUR OWN STUDIO
Creativity on Cloth
Dive into a creative and colourful workshop that takes natural dyes to the next level. Use the direct application of mordants and dyes to print on cloth with the use of brushes, blocks, stencils, and pens.
We are happy to announce Print & Paint with Natural Dyes will run online in September.
Registration opens August 11th.
Teaching at Penland School of Craft was a deeply nourishing experience that continues to inspire us.
Colour is unlike anything else. As an artist, to make colour with natural dyes is to experience a direct connection with your materials. And each of these materials, each dyestuff used, can be a doorway to a new world.
THE NATURAL DYE KIT
A great way to get started with natural colour.
Learn the basics and go beyond with all the supplies included in this kit along with Maiwa's in-depth instructions, essential to discovering the world of natural colour.
Shown above: Dyeable Onam Top - Handwoven Silk dyed with natural dyes.
See all Dyeables and Blanks on Sale Here
Thursday, July 31, 2025
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We bring you our Summer Collection of Slow Clothes in colourful block prints and hand weaves. For us, making clothing means opening up the process to include hand spinners, hand weavers, natural dyers, block printers, embroiderers...all the skilled artisans who are left behind in the rush to mass produce clothing.
Thursday, July 24, 2025
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A TWO DAY BOOK EVENT
Join us for a natural paint making demonstration and book signing.
AT MAIWA ON GRANVILLE ISLAND, VANCOUVER BC
Tuesday, July 22, 2025
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Natural Dyes. Natural Colour
We use natural dyes extensively in our own production. This is the best way to know how a dye behaves and see the changes that happen from harvest to harvest. Because we use the same dyes we sell, we can ensure that each package contains the best available dyestuff.
Thursday, May 08, 2025
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Natural Dyes. Natural Colour
We use natural dyes extensively in our own production. This is the best way to know how a dye behaves and see the changes that happen from harvest to harvest. Because we use the same dyes we sell, we can ensure that each package contains the best available dyestuff.
Thursday, January 16, 2025
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About Kakishibu
Kakishibu has a rich cultural heritage that dates back centuries in ancient Japan. This natural dye, derived from fermented unripe persimmon fruit, holds a special place in Japanese traditional crafts of textiles, paper and woodwork. Renowned for its rich amber colour, durability, and eco-friendly properties, kakishibu continues to captivate artisans.
Tuesday, November 05, 2024
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We use natural dyes extensively in our own production. This is the best way to know how a dye behaves and see the changes that happen from harvest to harvest. Because we use the same dyes we sell, we can ensure that each package contains the best available dyestuff.
Thursday, September 19, 2024
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The Natural Dyes in our Clothing
Are the Same Natural Dyes
On Our Shelf
Tuesday, May 28, 2024
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Get In Touch With Your Materials
Natural Dyes. Natural Colour
Tuesday, February 13, 2024
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Kits
Grey's are complex when they are made with natural dyes. Tannin and iron combine on cloth to create delicate, nuanced shades. Together they speak about slate, pensive skies, and a darkness that still contains light.
Tuesday, January 16, 2024
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It's 2024 ...
2024 is fresh and bright. It's a new year, filled with potential. This is the time of year when we like to sit down and block out some time for projects and creative work. No matter what your preferred technique - we've got what you need to get started.
Tuesday, January 02, 2024
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Get In Touch With Your Materials
Natural Dyes. Natural Colour
Tuesday, May 23, 2023
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