A Resist Dyed Happi or Hanten: Western Alphabet
early to mid twentieth century
36" x 49", 91.5 cm x 124.5 cm
This is an attractive and charming indigo dyed cotton happi or hanten that shows a very bold decoration, that of big, resist-dyed block letters that wrap around the coat from front to back.
The letters spell out "Asamai Kikuya" which are seemingly the name of a business, perhaps a restaurant, more than likely from Asamai, a place in Akita prefecture. The coat is entirely hand stitched and the cotton is nicely textured--if the cotton is not hand woven it certainly feels to be.
Note the passage of white stripes on the proper, left sleeve--and please note the dimensions above are shoulder to hem x sleeve tip to sleeve tip.
This hanten is in good, used condition and is still very wearable.
Super charming and recommended.