A&S 2026SS – Hand Screen Printing

Hand screen printing is a traditional hand-printing technique in which patterns are dyed using stencils. A stencil is placed over fabric stretched on a printing table, and a paste mixed with dye is meticulously applied with a spatula or similar tool, dyeing the pattern one color at a time. The fabric is then steamed to fix the colors, followed by washing to complete the process.

Rooted in the long tradition of stencil dyeing, hand screen printing carries forward a culture of craftsmanship passed down through generations. As artisans layer each color by hand, subtle variations emerge in the outlines of the patterns and the overlap of hues. This delicate expression and depth of color are qualities unique to handwork that cannot be fully replicated by machine production.

The base material, Super Fine Cotton Lawn, is woven using exceptionally fine 140-count single-ply cotton yarn. The result of highly advanced weaving techniques, it is characterized by a light, delicate texture and a smooth, refined touch against the skin. It offers exceptional comfort, especially suited to warm seasons.

This fabric is hand screen-printed onto Super Fine Cotton Lawn using natural dyes derived from gallnuts (gobaishi), persimmon tannin (kakishibu), and indigo. Its characteristic appeal lies in the way its naturally derived colors deepen and evolve over time, developing a richer expression with wear.

Kakishibu
Uses persimmon tannin dye (kakishibu) made by pressing unripe persimmons, then fermenting and aging the extract

Gobaishi
Uses dye made from dried gallnuts (gobaishi) that form on trees of the sumac genus

Ai dark
Uses indigo dye made from sukumo (fermented leaves of Indian indigo)

This fabric is first piece-dyed and then hand screen-printed using reactive dyes. The use of reactive dyes, known for their vivid color expression and excellent colorfastness, allows for the creation of intricate patterns while preserving the fabric’s naturally soft texture. The layering of ground color and print results in a design with notable depth and dimension.

Light forest green
A base fabric dyed in vintage white, overprinted with green and yellow dyes.

Vintage red
A base fabric dyed in ivory, overprinted with red and yellow dyes.

Indigo blue
A base fabric dyed in pale grey, overprinted with blue and yellow dyes.