A Woman's Yukata Showing a Musical Score: Unusual, Playful Pattern
late nineteenth, early twentieth century
shoulder to hem x sleeve tip to sleeve tip: 51" x 47 1/2", 129.5 cm x 121 cm
This hand spun, hand woven, hand stitched cotton garment is either a yukata (an unlined, casual kimono) or a juban or underkimono. Whichever type of garment this is, it is highly unusual for its unique pattern.
Dyed onto the cloth, probably using the chuusen method, a type of stencil dyeing that uses a kind of primitive vacuum to pull dye through the cloth.
The pattern is that of Western musical notation that runs in two different directions.
The garment has been well worn so please do look at the many accompanying detail photos which give a sense of the small bits of staining, the small tears (about two in total) and other types of unavoidable marring which is the result of usage.
The collar portion at the nape of the neck is discolored in the way that collars can be.
In spite of this inconsequential flaws this is a marvelous thing for its originality and for it lyrical beauty.
Odd and wonderful!
Recommended.
