A Repaired Hemp or Ramie Work Coat: Narrow Cotton Sleeves

early to mid twentieth century
29" x 48", 73.5 cm x 122 cm

This is a very handsome work coat whose body is hand stitched from pieces of wonderfully faded kasuri dyed hemp or ramie cloth. 

The coat is well-used as can be seen by the fading and abrasion to the back of the coat.  This abrasion, along with the hemp patches on the shoulders of the coat, indicate that burden was carried by the owner of this old jacket. The very narrow sleeves are of a type called tepposode and are referred to as "gun barrel" due to the slim proportion.

There is wonderful patching inside the coat. When the coat is opened these patches are revealed as is the stitching which connects the various pieces of kasuri hemp or ramie that are combined to create the bodice of the jacket.

A really beautiful thing--with gorgeous, powdery-blue faded indigo color.

Recommended.