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Beguiling Beni: Safflower Red in Japanese Fashion
The Japanese dye 'beni', made from safflower petals, produces red hues and an iridescent green. This display reveals its many uses in fashion, from heel-less shoes by Noritaka Tatehana, to textiles, cosmetics and ukiyo-e woodblock prints.
Display highlights
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Textile length, by Yamaguchi Genbei, woven in 2010, dyed in 2016, Japan. Given by Yamaguchi Genbei. © Victoria and Albert Museum, London -
Cheerful-looking: Ryо̄goku Bridge, woodblock print from the series Twelve Views of Modern Beauties, designed by Keisai Eisen, about 1822 – 23, Japan. Museum no. E.12927-1886. © Victoria and Albert Museum, London -
Fukaki Kurenai raw silk, by Somenotsukasa Yoshioka dye workshop, 2016 – 2017, Kyoto, Japan. Given by Yoshioka Sachio. Museum no. FE.61-2018. © Victoria and Albert Museum, London -
Heel-less shoes, by Noritaka Tatehana, 2021, Japan. Given by Noritaka Tatehana and Isehan Honten Co., Ltd. Museum no. FE.202-2022. © Victoria and Albert Museum, London -
Komachi-beni make-up in porcelain bowl, by Isehan Honten Co., Ltd., 2022, Japan. Given by Isehan Honten Co., Ltd. Museum no. FE.206-2022. © Victoria and Albert Museum, London -
Beautiful Tree, from the series Money Trees for Virtuous Women, by Utagawa Hiroshige, 1847 – 52, Japan. Museum no. E.4491A-1886. © Victoria and Albert Museum, London
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Header image: Heel-less shoes, by Noritaka Tatehana, 2021, Japan. Museum no. FE.202-2022. © Victoria and Albert Museum, London