Historically the technique of dyeing probably began with dyeing a fabric, or else whatever it was intended to be colored, with a single dye. Then the technique has gradually developed into the one being able to produce various complicated patterns. In the process, people in many parts of the world appear to have elaborated various types of technique.

The work of dyeing involves dyeing the pattern and not dyeing the areas other than the pattern at the same time. The technique for the latter: i.e., the method preventing from being dyed is called
" Bosen" in Japan. The need of "Bosen" in the process of dyeing appears paradoxical and yet "Bosen"
is indispensable for dyeing a pattern.

The technique of "Bosen" is not new nor specific of Japan. It appears to have been elaborated ever since the ancient era and in many part of the world. Depending upon material available to the regionthey have lived,
"Bosen" has been achieved by using various types of waxes. Included are those harvested from woods, honeycomb, paste obtained from crops, and even mud.

In Japan, the paste obtained from rice has been used for "Bosen". And the technique of "Bosen" has been applied for production of the popular beloved "Aizome" and the splendid grandiose "Yuzen zome" , the latter having been established since the 17th century. Neither "Aizome" nor
" Yuzen zome" could not have been materialized without the benefit of "Bosen" using the rice paste.

In the process of dyeing, "Katazome" requires a "Katagami" paper as well as the rice paste for
" Bosen". The "Katagami" paper is made from layers of papers called "Washi", which literally means Japanese paper. They are pasted together with persimmon extract. A "Katagami" paper made of layers of the Japanese papers is articularly important for "Katazome" because of their tolerance for exquisitely finer engraving in addition to their water resistance and durability for preservation.

• "Katagami" papers.
• Rice paste.
• Pieces of fabric, papers and etc., on which a print is to be made.
• Soy beans, a grinding device and a piece of cloth for filtering.
• "Design-knife".
• Spatula Dyes.
• Water.

1. "Shitazu": designing a desired pattern on a white blank paper.
2. Transfering the pattern: "Shitazu" onto a "Katagami".
3. "Katabori": to engrave the "Katagami" along the pattern by a "design-knife".
4. "Norioki": to fill in the carved areas of the "Katagami" with the paste using a spatula.
5. Preparation of the fabric on which a pattern is to be printed: to paint the entire fabric with the"Goh-shiru", which is the extracted juice of soy beans after soaking them in water followed by
   grinding. This process cannot be omitted, as it will help prevent from oozing and assure better
   fixation of the dye on the fabric.
6. Coloring: to paint the non-carved areas with the desired dye(s) and then make a print.
7. Fixation: A heat treatment may be necessary depending upon the type of the dye(s) used for printing.
8. Rinsing: Soak in water, remove the paste and then dry.