Budget-friendly A Half Under-kimono: Narumi Kongata And Two Patterns Of Old Katazome 75% Off - Today Only [Pm9lQYBj]

late nineteenth century
23 3/4" x 19", 60 cm x 48.25 cm

This han juban or half under-kimono is shown inside-out in order to reveal the beautiful cloth pieces used to make it.

The body of the han juban is hand stitched from cloth dyed in the Narumi kongata  technique which uses multiple stencils to create a shibori-like pattern. Soft edges on precisely drawn patterns fool the eye: what seems to be shibori is actually a katazome method.

In this case we see a background of faux miura shibori on top of which larger designs that are both circular and diamond-shaped are resisted: within the circular design are stylized, faux shibori cherry blossoms.

The collar piece is of a different cloth is particularly interesting as it seems to be older than the cloth of the bodice. The butterfly design is one that could have been made in the mid nineteenth century.

On the proper outside of the piece, on the collar and not easily seen here is yet one more fragment of katazome cotton, this one showing what appear to be a pattern of simply rendered chestnuts.

In good, used condition with cloth that is still vibrant in color, this is a gorgeous little han juban showing good age and wonderfully high-quality old cloth.