A Katazome Dyed Han Juban: Taisho Era
ca. early twentieth century
29" x 50", 73.5 cm x 127 cm
This waist-length garment is called a han juban which is a half-under-kimono. The bodice of this garment is hand stitched from indigo dyed cotton which was hand dyed in the stencil resist method called katazome, the repeat pattern being a mid-sized and graphic one.
The sleeves of this han juban are quite different than the bodice. The are made of a light weight,commercially produced wool which is imprinted with the image of large, shiny, metal coins, inside which are symbols of prosperity, such as a money bag. Most likely the cloth used for these sleeves was repurposed from a child's kimono.
The cotton is hand woven, the indigo dyeing nicely done--there are some smudges of indigo from the dyeing process, but overall, this handsome garment is made of very good looking cloth, the result being a traditional undergarment which carries with it a bit of history from old Japan.