A Richly Toned Pink Shibori Han Juban: Two Tone

early to mid twentieth century
23 1/2" x 17 1/4", 59.5 cm x 44 cm

This undeniably, saturated pink garment is a han juban or half under-kimono. When first made it would have had sleeves but they have since been removed. More than likely the sleeve would have been fabricated of a cloth different than that of the body.

The pink color is certainly of synthetic dye, however it is probably meant to harken back to the days when safflower--or benibana as it is known in Japan--was used to achieve this kind of fuchsia tone, and, additionally, often undergarments were dyed in this color.

The pattern is a large scale kumo or spiderweb shibori which is done in a cool, reddish pink tone, a nice hue to be layered on top of the lighter toned magenta ground. 

On the garment are very pale, blueish colored stains, very faint and almost not worth mentioning, but do see them as indicated on the accompanying detail photos.

The hand stitched garment is in otherwise good, used condition with its color still vibrant and its pattern exuberant.

Rich and delightful.