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Japanese Kakishibu

Natural Persimmon Tannin Dye from Japan

Japanese Kakishibu

Natural Persimmon Tannin Dye from Japan

A traditional Japanese natural dye made from fermented unripe persimmons.
Kakishibu creates warm brown tones that deepen over time, developing a rich, living patina through age and sunlight.

Used for centuries in Japan, kakishibu is valued not only for its color, but for its durability, character, and connection to nature.

What Is Kakishibu?

Kakishibu is a natural dye made from persimmon tannin extracted from unripe Japanese persimmons.
After fermentation, the tannin-rich liquid is traditionally used for dyeing textiles, treating wood, and coating paper.

Unlike synthetic dyes, kakishibu continues to change after application โ€” darkening gradually with time and light, much like indigo.

Why Choose Kakishibu?

  • 100% natural persimmon tannin dye
  • Deepens in color with age and sun exposure
  • Excellent resistance to light and water
  • No synthetic chemicals
  • Traditionally used for textiles, wood, and paper

Kakishibu is appreciated for its organic variation and the way it records time and use on the surface.

Granulated Kakishibu Powder โ€“ Practical & Long-Lasting

This kakishibu is processed into granules, making it especially practical for modern use.

  • Dissolve only the amount you need with water or hot water
  • Excellent shelf life compared to liquid kakishibu
  • Easy to store and ship
  • No spoilage, no waste

When dissolved, the granules return to traditional kakishibu liquid, ready for dyeing or coating.

Recommended Uses

Kakishibu can be used for a wide range of natural craft applications:

  • Textile dyeing (cotton, linen, hemp)
  • Shibori and resist dyeing
  • Wood treatment and finishing
  • Paper and mixed-media craft

Layering kakishibu over a base color creates deeper, more stable tones.

Choose the Right Kakishibu for Your Project

We offer kakishibu powder in several sizes to suit different needs:

  • 15g โ€“ Small tests and sampling (makes approx. 0.5L)
  • 30g โ€“ Small projects (makes approx. 1L)
  • 100g โ€“ Regular craft use (makes approx. 3.3L)
  • 500g โ€“ Workshops and bulk dyeing (makes approx. 16L)

Start small to test, or choose a larger size for continuous work.

Environmentally Conscious Dye

Kakishibu is a fully natural dye that produces no harmful wastewater.
It requires no additional fuel in use and generates minimal environmental impact, making it a responsible choice for natural dyeing.

Start Your Kakishibu Project

Select the size below and begin exploring the depth and character of Japanese kakishibu dyeing.
Each product is carefully prepared and shipped from Japan.

Supplied by a Japanese craft specialist offering authentic natural dye materials from Japan.