Tannin-dyed canvas
− Living fabric without chemical dyes −
Tannin is a bitter and astringent flavouring component in plants.
It serves to protect bark, trees, leaves and fruit from external threats. It is also used in medicines, cosmetics, antioxidants as well as a leather tanning material.
Vegetable tannins, in particular, are used to remove the fat and other substances that cause rot, softening the hard hide and making it less susceptible to decay.
This is how hide becomes the leather we see today.
Tannin-tanning is characterised by its ability to mature over time.
As the leather is used, the colour deepens and the chararcter develops.
We wondered what tannin powder dyes would look like if they were used for fabric.
Could we do something different from traditional Japanese dyeing with persimmon tannin?
That's how we started.
After much trial and error in search of the best quality and consistency, we finally succeeded in producing this tannin-dyed Canvas.
''Tanntela'' is a living fabric that gradually deepens in colour as it comes into contact with the air, like a living creature, allowing the user to feel a special sense of attachment over a long period of time.