Persimmon dyeing is a traditional dyeing technique originating from Japan known as “kakishibu”, where either unripe persimmons are crushed and the juice is fermented, or the dried persimmon's skin is boiled down to extract dye. Persimmon dyeing often has an earthy, brownish tone, natural antibacterial properties, and strong water resistance. Persimmon dyeing is also known for how the tannin, a compound found in persimmons, causes the dye’s color to deepen in hue over time. In many East Asian cultures, persimmon dyeing represents the simplicity, earthiness, seasonal harvest and stability. Persimmon products often include clothing, bags, accesories, functional decor, and many other materials such as wood or leather.
Persimmon dyeing is important because it is deeply tied to Hakka Cultures, memories, and communities, especially in Hsinchu County. The practice of persimmon dyeing began as a way to prevent wastefulness, using the entire persimmon. Through generations, the autumn persimmon harvest became a communal event. Along with the harvest of persimmons, persimmon dyeing slowly blended into Hakka identity through the entire procedure, from the start harvest to the end. Overall, persimmon dyeing holds significant cultural importance through the traditions of the technique.
Commercial friendly persimmon dyeing workshops are mostly concentrated in Hsinchu County, especially in Xinpu Township where they are mostly set up for visitors, students, and tourists to take part in persimmon dyeing. Two of the best places to take persimmon dyeing classes in Xinpu is the Xinpu Persimmon Dye House (新埔柿染館) and the Han Dried Persimmon Farm & Education Park (金漢柿餅教育園區). The best time to visit these education farms is from September to December.