A Deconstructed Oshima Tsumugi Kimono: A Full Kimono in Pieces

early to mid twentieth century
various size pieces seemingly cut from a full bolt which generally measures around 12 meters or 13 yard x 13", 33 cm

This roll of silk cloth is what appears to be a full kimono that has been taken apart, probably to be readied to be washed.

The intricately resist dyed kasuri silk was dyed and woven at Amami Oshima one of Japan's Western-most, or Southern-most island groups--Amami Oshima is famous for the extremely high-quality, densely patterned kasuri cloth of which this is a good example.  It is often referred to as Oshima tsumugi.

The techniques used to create the resisted pattern on the yarns before weaving are mind-bogglingly complicated as is the technique employed to weave the bolt so it shows its design in perfect ratio to itself.

Some of the pieces contained in this generous roll of cloth are cut in half length-wise while others are pieces that measure the full loom width.

There is ample cloth on this reconstituted bolt and the type of cloth rolled into the bolt is luxurious. Some ingrained creases on some of the pieces.

A wonderful thing for those who may use it in a craft or fashion project.

Beautiful.