Conceiving the Design and Making a Preliminary Drawing, Kyo Yūzen

The word “yūzen” is generally associated with hand-drawn yūzen. In this method, the artisan draws the design by hand, using a fine writing brush or a painting brush. First, the cloth is temporarily tailored in kimono shape, the general outline of the design is laid out, and then the design is drawn directly on the cloth. A special dye is used, called aobana (blueflower), which disappears easily when rinsed in water or steamed. After the drawing is finished, the cloth is returned to its original shape (hashinui).