A Fully Reversible 19th Century Silk Han Juban: Pieced

late 19th century
25" x 50", 63.5 cm x 127 cm

This is a gloriously good example of a 19th century piece-constructed silk under-kimono. It is beautiful and visually arresting inside and out--and both sides are shown in detail here.

Colorful under garments such as this one were common in old Japan: women could wear boldly patterned, brightly colored clothing under their subtly colored and dark toned kimono because no one could see these garish garments with clashing colors and patterns.

In the Japan up until 1868 there were governmental restrictions that banned colorful garment for most of the population, an edict that was struck down when Japan left its feudal period and entered the modern world in or around 1868.

With the exception of deep blue crepe silk sleeves and the fire-engine red lightweight wool details on the inside of the garment all the dyes are plant-based.

The beautiful purple tone is from gromwell root or shikon as it is called in Japan. The pink on the outside and the faded orange tones on the inside are derived from benibana or safflower.

Really look carefully at all the photos to see what a rich, full garment this is--also note some unraveling of the stitches near the sleeve on the inside area.

This han juban would be classified highly if it was judged solely on its face presentation, but because its inside is equally marvelous to the proper outside this han juban can be considered to be extra good.

Recommended.