An Indigo Dyed Shibori Yukata: Variegated Spiderweb Pattern

early to mid twentieth century
shoulder to hem x sleeve tip to sleeve tip: 52" x 47", 132 cm x 119.5 cm

This indigo dyed cotton kimono is a yukata, or an unlined, cotton, casual garment that was often worn at home, while staying at a traditional inn, or during the hot summer months when promenading in the evenings or attending festivals.

This one is particularly good looking--and it also is unusual in its design. Its crowded, exuberant pattern is of hand tied, "spiderwebs" which are interspersed with large, roundels of stitched shibori that seem embedded in the pattern. Very attractive and inventive.

The longish sleeves of the garment indicate that it belonged to a younger woman, and one can easily imagine that.

The overall condition is used and old with no flaws to distract the eye from the overall beauty of the piece. The cotton reinforcements inside the garment show butterflies and autumn grasses, very attractive, and an interesting visual foil to the pattern of the cloth of the garment.

This old yukata is of interesting to look at and, of course, is even better when worn.