Abstract
"Yuzen" is a traditional but still popular method of dyeing fabrics in Japan. The products using the Yuzen method and manufactured in Kyoto city are called "Kyo-Yuzen." The dyeing method of Yuzen can be divided into 10 procedures. A specialized craftsman is in charge of each procedure. During the paste application (Nori-oki) procedure, the expert applies a starch paste or a rubber paste to a fabric in order to resist dyeing. The two resisting pastes create a different effect on the dyed fabric. At market, the fabric with a starch paste application is perceived to have a higher value than that with a rubber paste. In this study, the difference of the viscosity between two materials was clarified, and specimens which craftsman dyed were observed. Then how the two materials were put on fabrics, and their structures, were measured. As a result of this research, it was clarified that rubber paste penetrated more deeply into fabrics than starch paste.
