An Extremely Fine Quality Hemp or Ramie Jacket: Indigo Dyed Kasuri

late nineteenth, early twentieth century
27" x 38", 68.5 cm x 96.5 cm

This jacket is made from very finely woven, high quality, quite translucent and lightweight hemp or ramie cloth which was dyed and woven in the kasuri method using botanical indigo.

The jacket has been well-worn as can be seen by the frayed collar (neck area), the softening of the indigo tone by light fading, the suppleness of the fabric acquired by years of wear and the small, pin head sized holes--not many--which can be found on the garment.

More than likely the cloth which was used to hand stitch this jacket was taken from another garment and retrofitted to create this one.

The kasuri pattern is small and elegant and was most likely difficult to weave. As mentioned above the quality of the cloth is high because it is so fine.

Even with these condition issues--perfectly understandable for a garment of this age--this jacket is still wearable. Some of the seams, especially on the two sides, might benefit from reinforcing.

Beautiful in color and in the integrity of its cloth this is a subtle and beautiful old garment from a Japan of a former century.