A Piece Constructed Cotton Kimono: Mid Twentieth Century

mid twentieth century
45 1/4" x 48", 115 cm x 122 cm

This boldly patterned costume is a kimono which is hand stitched from four types of cotton: the bodice is a resist-dyed faux kasuri pattern; the arms are of a woven plaid; the skirt portion is of a large scale kasuri; the collar is tie dye--or shibori--dyed.  The garment is fully lined in a dark blue, commercially woven cotton.

The faux kasuri bodice is stitched together from salvaged pieces of cotton as can be seen by the piecing within this field.  The contrasts between the different types of cloth and the clashing colors lacks in subtlety but shows a great deal of spirit and charm--and it speaks loudly of every day life in a recently vanished Japan.

Some overall wear, especially to the shibori dyed collar area, but overall this kimono is in good, used condition.

Charming.