A Katazome Dyed Han Juban: Three Patterns

mid twentieth century
shoulder to hem x sleeve tip to sleeve tip: 24" x 42", 61 cm x 106.5 cm

This indigo cotton garment, with its beautifully clashing patterns, is a han juban or a half under-kimono that is dyed in the katazome method. It is seemingly unused.

The bodice shows a large scale pattern based on the interlocking, traditional hemp leaf pattern while the sleeves show another pattern, this one called matsukawabishi or interlocking pine bark. In this case there is a kind of plaid under-design at play: quite ingenious.

The collar is commercially made and has color and a small pattern of flowers, an interesting contrast to the bold patterns of the sleeves and bodice.

The clarity of the katazome dyeing is appealing, and the real prize is the combination of patterns which has great visual appeal.