A Resist Dyed Happi Panel: Geometry
early to mid twentieth century
36 1/2" x 14", 92.5 cm x 35.5 cm
This short length of resist dyed indigo cotton is a section from a happi which is a jacket used by the employees of a business or sometimes by troupes of participants at a temple or neighborhood festival.
Happi are often emblazoned with the name of a business accompanied by graphic symbols related to that: her we see a fragment of interlocking, stylized well covers, a typical Japanese design motif.
This fragment is cut from the happi and is well-used; it shows ingrained creases and some abrasion and pronounced fading from wear.
A nicely graphic length of resist-dyed indigo cotton.