Mud dyeing, known as doro-zome in Japanese, is a traditional dyeing process that involves soaking textile yarns in mud.
Specifically, as seen in the context of Oshimatsumugi, a luxury silk fabric and traditional craft from Amami Oshima in Kagoshima prefecture, the doro-zome dyeing process is where the yarns get soaked in mud. This unique step, often combined with plant-based dyes (using plants native to Amami in the case of Oshimatsumugi), is crucial in achieving rich, dark colors, such as the sharp glamorous dark brown characteristic of Oshimatsumugi. The minerals and iron content in the mud react with tannins from the plant dyes, fixing the color and creating deep, durable hues.
This process is not just about applying color; it's a sophisticated technique rooted in local geography and resources, contributing significantly to the unique texture and appearance of fabrics dyed this way.
