Since ancient times, Japan has cherished subtle, nature-inspired colors found in seasonal plants, flowers, and landscapes. In this project, NONA recreated these time-honored hues using traditional botanical dyeing techniques.
Each color tells a story — of climate, culture, and craftsmanship — handed down over generations. Experience the quiet beauty of Japanese color through natural materials and timeless methods.
Naturally Dyed with Yamagata Benibana
This thread set is carefully dyed with benibana (safflower) grown in Yamagata—one of the last remaining regions in Japan where this traditional dye plant still blooms.
Perfect for temari, sashiko, embroidery, darning, and more, these naturally dyed threads bring a gentle brilliance to your handmade work.
A Story in Every Thread
Each thread is dyed with care and reverence for this historic plant.
Though safflower is known for its iconic red, only about 1% of its pigment is actually red—the rest is yellow. From this rare 1%, the red color is carefully extracted and used to create these beautiful threads.
A Box That Protects and Delights
The threads are stored in a Japanese kiri (paulownia) box, chosen for its natural humidity control and soft, lightweight protection.
This year, the wrapping features delicate botanical illustrations of auspicious trees and branches, symbolizing blessings and good fortune.
Note: Kiri (Paulownia) is a soft wood and can dent easily. Keep in a dry place to avoid mold.
Included is a small pink tubu temari (tiny temari charm), tied like an amulet to wish happiness and protection. A thoughtful and beautiful gift for yourself or someone special.
Note: Tubu temari color is random and cannot be selected.
About Safflower – A Flower of Beauty and Tradition
In early July, safflowers bloom in Yamagata, coloring the fields with their vivid red petals.
Safflower has long been valued not only as a dye—originally imported from ancient Wu, now China—but also as an edible and medicinal plant.
The oil extracted from its petals is still appreciated for its beauty and health benefits.
The allure of benibana red—extracted from safflower cakes (beni-mochi)—has enchanted people across centuries, and continues to do so today.
