Itajime Shibori
The verb shiboru means "to wring, squeeze and press" in Japanese. While the word shibori is often associated with the famous style of fabric dying, particular to Japan,( "tie-and-dye.") it does in fact encompass a wide range of fabric dying procedures now found worldwide.
There are countless ways in which fabric can be manipulated to create shibori - it can be bound, folded, twisted or compressed; stitched, clamped or knotted. Each method results in different patterns, determined by how the fabric absorbs and resists dye, the intensity of the dye bath and the fabric composition and thickness, which are equally as important to the end result.
But part of the mystery and magic of shibori is that the artist can never be sure of the final look. An element of surprise is always present.
Itajime shibori is a method of Clamp dying. It is a study of contrasts.
Hard steel clamps give a form to the fluid silk used in our beautiful pieces. Unyielding wooden blocks produce soft-edged, almost organic-looking geometric patterns, which flow across the cloth in ripples.
The rustic origin of our itajime silk fabric, hand crafted in the deserts of Western India, belies the luxury of each piece. The silk flows like water and is a pleasure to feel on the skin.
The ancient Japanese art of clamp-dye - itajime - shibori has been taken up by the creators of some of our most luxurious silk items.
Brothers Khatri live in a remote corner of India and have executed to perfection this time consuming and technical process.
Every three meter piece of silk is crafted individually by hand - the silk is folded, clamped and dyed - on repeat until the desired equilibrium of layering of shape and colour has been achieved.
