A Cotton Shibori Kimono: Unlined and Densely Decorated

early to mid twentieth century
shoulder to hem x sleeve tip to sleeve tip: 51" x 48", 129.5 cm x 122 cm

This elaborately and boldly designed shibori dyed cotton kimono shows a richness of decoration that indicates it might have been worn by of of a group of celebrants at a traditional festival.

The cotton is powerloomed and has the feel of lightweight shirting. The garment is completely hand stitched and the backs of the sleeves are closed which indicate that it was meant to be worn by a man.

There are three zones of design: the top zone on back shows a Chinese character or kanji in a roundel while on the front of the garment the kanji is free floating. The center area is grey in color while the bottom is done entirely in a field of miura shibori onto which two large kanji can be seen on the back.

The zigzags that demarcate top from bottom is a lozenge shape that, when seen as a repeat pattern, is called the "pine bark" motif.

This beautifully executed garment is in good, used condition with no noticeable flaws or stains.

Recommended and wonderful.