Shibori

  • Change that o for an a and now you're in completely different world

  • Shibori (η΅žγ‚Š, also ζΎγ‚Š) is, first and foremost, simply the noun form of the verb shiboru (η΅žγ‚‹, 搾る): to wring, squeeze, press, extract, strain out, contract ....

    A camera's or eye's iris/aperture is also "shibori", because it contracts to constrict light.

    But the most important shibori, vastly overshadowing quaint tie-dying art forms and camera apertures, is "ichiban shibori": the first press of the malt in beer-making.

  • Here is a video showing some pretty advanced shiboru: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wlGL0Bhlw0E

    I'm not affiliated or anything but the whole channel is well worth binge watching.

  • It is a fascinating art form. You can learn more about the different techniques here - https://www.hilarylhahn.com/blog/3-shibori-techniques

  • If you're interested in giving this a try, this is a great introductory indigo dye kit. Just a need a bucket and something to dye (pillow-case, dish-towel, or an old t-shirt).

    https://www.amazon.com/Jacquard-Indigo-Tie-Dye-Mini/dp/B003I...

  • A similar technique was just shown on the famous Chinese YouTube channel of "Li Zi Qi": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8VO6ApTjGj4

    The whole channel is nice calming viewing in times like these.

  • I was in Japan recently and was hoping to find something Shibori to bring home as a souvenir/gift, but had a pretty difficult time coming across anything. I wondered if this was just because I am gaijin, or if it has become less commonplace in general (or both)?