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.
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.
NONA Card Thread - Material: 100% cotton - Length: Approx. 40m each - Thickness: Equivalent to 3 strands of DMC No.25 embroidery thread
NONA Fine Thread - Material: 100% cotton - Length: Approx. 140m each - Thickness: Equivalent to 1 strand of DMC No.25 embroidery thread
Box Dimensions: Approx. W152 × D100 × H75mm
About Natural Dyed Threads:
- All threads are hand-dyed using natural materials and may include color irregularities, shifts, or seasonal differences—each one is unique. - Uneven colors and dye variations are part of the charm of botanical dye. - Color may fade when exposed to light—please store in a cool, dry, dark place. - Wash gently with neutral detergent and dry in the shade.
Note:
Paulownia is a soft wood and can dent easily. Keep in a dry place to avoid mold.
