A Machine Shibori Child's Han Juban: Modern Innovation

late nineteenth, early twentieth century
19 1/2" x 12", 49.5 cm x 30.5 cm

This beautiful little cotton child's han juban or half under kimono is dyed in what is called machine shibori because the stitched shibori used to create images was done with a sewing machine and not by hand which is the traditional method.

Examples of machine shibori often look like this: a reddish ground, vibrant dots of tied shibori and a delicate stitched image. In this case, and in the case of other examples of machine shibori, synthetic dyed were used.

Sewing machines were already in home use in Japan at least in the 1870s so it is not a surprise that the innovation and efficiency available by using a sewing machine was applied not only toward making clothing.

This lovely child's top shows images of a plump gourd hanging on a lattice or trellis and surrounded by delicately rendered heart-shaped leaves. As you can see there is quite a prominent stain to the proper left, front of the han juban and there are some stitched repairs as can be seen on the accompanying detail photos.

The color is slightly faded overall.

As there are few examples of machine shibori this one is a particularly good one for its fine image and good design, despite the obvious flaw to the front of the han juban.

Recommended.