Shinshu Tegaki Yuzen, also called Shinshu Kusakizome Yuzen, is a hand-painted Yuzen dyeing technique unique to Nagano Prefecture. Unlike most Yuzen, it uses natural dyes extracted from plants and tree bark, a practice developed in castle towns of Nagano during the Edo period. This rare, plant-dyed Yuzen is known for its gentle colors that evoke the natural beauty of Shinshu. Delicate motifs are painted directly onto silk, resulting in textiles that are both refined and vibrant. In 1986, Shinshu Tegaki Yuzen was designated a Traditional Craft of Nagano Prefecture.
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Gentle colors inspired by Shinshu’s nature
Dyed with plants such as indigo, plum, apricot, cherry, mugwort, pampas grass, chestnut, and bamboo grass, Shinshu Tegaki Yuzen avoids chemical dyes. The use of natural dyes makes it gentle on the skin while producing soft, subdued hues that reflect the landscapes of the region.

Photo courtesy ofPhoto courtesy of Nagano Prefecture Industrial and Labor Department, Industrial Technology Division