Yamamomo Japanese dye

Description

Yamamomo (Japanese or Chinese bayberry) Morella rubra or Myrica rubra

Yamamomo is a subtropical, broadleaf evergreen fruit tree used for making jam, fruit wine and vinegar. It is also a medicinal source and anti-inflammatory in traditional Asian medicine. Its medicinal uses include treatment for inflammation, asthma and other health conditions.  The bark and leaves are used for their antiviral, antioxidant and antibacterial properties.

The branches are chipped to create the dye, which creates a warm yellow-green shade and is stunning on silk. On cotton, the color is a slightly bronze-yellow.  The cotton samples were overdyed with a 1-2-3 henna vat and created a lovely rich green shade. Yamamomo has been used in Japan since the Nara period and was popular as an overdye during the Edo period. The fabric samples pictured were dyed at 100% wof and the sashiko thread was dyed at 200% wof.

Yamamomo chips may be used until no color is left to extract from them.  Multiple extractions will yield lighter dye baths.  The chips may be composted after use.

We are offering yamamomo in 50 gram amounts sold in a reusable plastic jar.