Akane Zome is a dyeing technique that has been used since the Asuka period (592-710). Originating in Iwate Prefecture, it is a plant based dyeing method that uses the roots of a perennial plant called madder. The name Akane (red root) comes from the red roots used for dyeing.
Akane is an ancient color that is not 100% red but it has a slightly yellowish hue reminiscent of a sunset sky.
This dye was used to color the Japanese flag red, and it is the oldest dye used in Japan for dyeing red colors.
