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      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can understand how to use Tataki-zome to make a botanical print

      Key learning points

      1. Printing with botanical forms allows artists to create environmentally friendly art.
      2. Printing techniques create unique textures that are difficult to achieve with other techniques.
      3. Artists use culturally traditional techniques to connect with the past whilst adding their own style.

      Keywords

      • Tataki-zome - an ancient Japanese print technique where plants are pounded to transfer patterns. Translates to “pounded dye” in Japanese

      • Botanical - containing leaves, flowers and plants

      • Composition - arranging shapes and space in your artwork.

      • Hammer dyeing - a technique where you use plants to make prints by gently hammering them onto fabric or paper

      Common misconception

      In Tataki-zome, you should hammer the leaves and flowers as hard as possible to get the best results.

      Hammering too hard can damage the fabric or crush the plant too much, causing it to bleed or smudge. In Tataki-zome, it’s important to tap gently and evenly so the natural colours and delicate shapes of the plants transfer clearly and beautifully.

      Teacher tip

      Try to not hammer the botanical form with too much force if you want to pick up fine detail. The technique might take a bit of practise so encourage reflection and perserverence.

      Equipment

      Pencils, paper, fabric, wooden hammer or rolling pin, botanical materials, tape or adhesive tack

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
      except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
      (Collection 2).

      Lesson video

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      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      What is Shibori?

      A type of Japanese painting
      A weaving technique
      Correct answer: A Japanese method of dyeing fabric using folding, twisting or tying
      A printing method using wooden blocks

      Q2.
      Another name for a similar technique to Shibori is ______ dyeing.

      Correct Answer: tie, tye

      Q3.
      Which country has a traditional dyeing technique similar to Shibori?

      Correct answer: India
      France
      Canada
      Sweden

      Q4.
      In fabric dyeing, what does the word resist mean?

      To heat the fabric before dyeing
      Correct answer: To stop the dye from reaching certain areas
      To mix different dyes together
      To wash the fabric after dyeing

      Q5.
      Shibori traditionally uses dye, a deep blue colour made from plants.

      Correct Answer: indigo

      Q6.
      Where might you find examples of Shibori?

      On ceramic plates
      In story books
      Correct answer: On fabrics like clothing, cushions or scarves
      On building walls

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      Match the terms with their definitions:

      Correct Answer:Tataki-zome,An ancient Japanese technique of hammer dyeing.

      An ancient Japanese technique of hammer dyeing.

      Correct Answer:Composition,The arrangement of shapes and spaces in artwork.

      The arrangement of shapes and spaces in artwork.

      Correct Answer:Foraging,Gathering plants from nature for artistic use.

      Gathering plants from nature for artistic use.

      Correct Answer:Botanical print,A print made using natural materials like leaves and flowers.

      A print made using natural materials like leaves and flowers.

      Q2.
      What is Tataki-zome?

      A form of floral digital printing.
      Correct answer: A technique for hammering plants or flowers to create prints.
      A way to paint flowers using brushes.
      A type of textile manufacturing involving botanical themes.

      Q3.
      Tataki-zome uses simple tools such as a hammer or to press the plants.

      Correct Answer: rolling pin

      Q4.
      In Tataki-zome, you should not hammer the leaves and flowers as hard as possible to get the best results. This is because ...

      Correct answer: you might damage the fabric or lose the detail
      you might lose the colour of the petals
      you might damage the hammer or rolling pin
      you might get an injury to your hand

      Q5.
      Which of these best describes what foraging means in art?

      Buying natural art supplies from a store.
      Correct answer: Collecting natural materials from the environment.
      Painting from nature memory.
      Using recycled, eco-friendly materials only.

      Q6.
      To protect the leaves during the hammering process, we cover them with __________

      Correct Answer: baking paper, fabric, cloth, parchment paper

      To help you plan your 8 art and design lesson on: Exploring print design, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...