A Beautiful Omi Jofu Jacket: Indigo Dyed Hemp or Ramie

early twentieth century
shoulder to hem: 42", 106.5 cm  
sleeve tip to sleeve tip: 48", 122 cm

Omi jofu is an extremely high-grade hemp or ramie cloth that was produced in Omi, present-day Shiga Prefecture, and it ranks among the top-quality asa cloth cloth produced in Japan.

This is a really gorgeous jacket that is hand stitched from this hand woven, indigo dyed hemp or ramie kasuri cloth. Both its tailoring and its hand loomed cloth are superb.

The repeat kasuri pattern is an iteration of the traditional Japanese motif called shochikubai. Shochikubai is the design triad of bamboo, pine and plum blossoms, which conveys good wishes.  Plum shows courage as its blossoms are the first of the year and they burst forth from under ice; the bamboo is resilience since it bends but does not break; the pine is a symbol of long life and also of a faithful marriage as its needles fall in pairs.  Warp and weft directional cross hatchings punctuate this design and add a glittering visual effect to it.

The jacket was lightly worn and shows little to no flaws or stress from wear.

A wonderful garment, still extremely wearable, and one that is hand made from superb quality cloth, one of Japan's finest offerings.

Very recommended.