A Child's Kimono: Desirable Yamatogasuri Cloth

early 20th century
shoulder to hem x sleeve tip to sleeve tip: 25" x 24 3/4", 63.5 cm x 63 cm

This is a an unlined, child's kimono, which is hand stitched from the marvelously distinctive cotton kasuri cloth from Nara which is known as Yamato gasuri.

Yamato gasuri is woven in countless variations that show great differences in scale, tone and design. This particular type of kasuri weaving shows a tiny, close repeat of blue marks which appear due to the confluence of warp and weft yarns that are dyed just in the right way to create this pattern. The small repeat increases the difficulty for the kasuri weaver.

The pattern on this small kimono is complex--patterns within medallions, basket weave effect in the interstices, faint blue pattern on the disc-like, woven medallions--and it required great skill to weave, which not might be apparent if you do not know about the kasuri weaving process.

The garment itself is in good, used condition with a small stain to the proper, left hand side of the front of the sleeve which is shown on a detail photo here. Its two ties in front, made with a very lightweight wool material called muslin or mosurin in Japan, show some damage from insects.

The small kimono is a splendid thing for its remarkably good Yamatogasuri cloth and whoever was the child who wore it was clearly a lucky one.

Recommended.