Category:

Prefecturally Designated Tangible Folk Cultural Property

Title:

Akayamashibu seisan yogu oyobi shibugoya

Tools and Shed Used in the Manufacture of Akayamashibu Dye
赤山渋生産用具及び渋小屋

No. of features:

99 pieces

Designated:

March 24, 1987

Location:

Saitama Prefectural Museum of History and Folklore (opens to new page)
4-219 Takahanacho, Omiya Ward

Owner:

Saitama Prefecture

Description:

Akayamashibu is a type of “kakishibu”, a dye created from the tannic juice of astringent persimmons. In the days before synthetic paints, wooden surfaces like walls, porches, and fences were varnished with this dye to protect against rot and water damage.  It was also used on paper goods like lanterns, umbrellas, fans, and sewing patterns.

This collection features tools and a storage shed that were used to produce “akayamashibu” around the Akayama, Nanbu, and Minuma territories of the former Adachi District (modern-day Kawaguchi). The pieces date from the mid-Edo period onward.

The persimmon dye manufacturing process involves harvesting, pulverizing, fermenting, pressing, storing, and packaging the fruits. This collection brings together a storage shed (disassembled and preserved) and 98 tools like mortars and casks that were used in these operations.

Associated Texts:

(1988). “Survey Report on Saitama Prefecture’s Designated Cultural Properties” (vol. 16). Saitama Prefectural Board of Education.

Please be courteous towards other visitors, locals, and the site’s owners/curators when visiting this cultural property. This cultural property’s availability may vary; for details, please contact the Saitama Prefectural Museum of History and Folklore.

Inquiries (Japanese only)

Cultural Heritage Preservation Division, Department of Lifelong Learning, Board of Education Secretariat　

TEL：048-829-1723 FAX：048-829-1989

https://www.city.saitama.jp/004/005/006/001/019/003/002/p006372.html