A Baby Kimono: Kasuri and Faux Shibori Katazome with Semamori

early to mid twentieth century
17" x 21 1/4", 43 cm x 54 cm

This is a really charming baby kimono that has been hand stitched from what is obviously recycled indigo dyed cotton textiles.

The outside of the small garment is made from weft based egasuri or picture kasuri cloth whose repeat pattern includes images of crudely rendered pine trees.  The garment is fully lined in a beautiful katazome or stencil resist dyed cotton that is meant to evoke the design of mokume shibori, a type of shibori that is named after tree bark.  The lining is of a  medium-toned blue and is lovely.

There is a vivid purple chirimen or crepe silk tie that is stitched to the garment using thick, red cotton thread.  The same red cotton thread is used on the collar area.  And pay very special attention to the detail photograph that shows the bottom hem of the back of the kimono: there is a passage of three, white stitches ending in a knot: most likely this is a semamori or an intentional mark stitched onto the garment by the maker which is to convey a wish of spiritual protection on the wearer.

A really lovely little garment that speaks of life in old Japan.

Recommended.