A Hemp or Ramie Jacket: Resist Dyed Indigo Cotton Lapel

reduced from $155.00
ca. mid twentieth century
33" x 48", 84 cm x 122 cm

This attractive coat is sewn from hand loomed undyed hemp or ramie cloth, the kind of stiff bast cloth that is often used in Japan for noren, a kind of traditional door hanging.

The hemp or ramie cloth is used for the body of the coat, while the eri, or the collar/lapel portion of the coat, is made of resist dyed indigo cotton, with two kanji, or Chinese characters, being supplemented by the addition of a hand stenciled red color, not unusual on this kind of coat.

The body of the coat is in fine condition.  The hemp is stiff to the touch and it shows a bit of surface abrasion and two stains to the proper, left, front area of the jacket, seen on accompanying detail photos.

A lovely example of a traditional Japanese hanten.