A Man's Yukata of Arimatsu Shibori: Tatsumaki Arashi

mid twentieth century
shoulder to hem x sleeve tip to sleeve tip: 55" x 54", 140 cm x 137 cm

This indigo dyed cotton kimono is of a casual, unlined type called a yukata; yukata are often worn for summer evening strolls or for relaxing at home, at a hot spring or when staying as a guest at a traditional inn.

The shibori dyed cotton cloth from which this yukata was made was certainly dyed in Arimatsu, one of Japan's leading shibori production centers. 

The pattern on the garment, or this shibori dyeing process, is referred to as tatsumaki arashi, whereby folded cloth is compressed and fastened around a rope core.

The cotton is powerloomed and the indigo is more than likely synthetic.

Even though this is a man's yukata it can be also worn by women, too--and this hand stitched garment is still very wearable with a lot of life in it. The condition is very good and used with no noticeable flaws except for age.

This is a really nice looking old shibori dyed yukata of a type that is harder and harder to find in Japan these days.

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