An Itajime Dyed Han Juban: Large Patch of Benibana Shibori

late nineteenth, early twentieth century
25 1/4" x 23", 64 cm x 58.5 cm

Although this is referred to as a han juban or half-under kimono there might be evidence that this was part of a full juban whose skirt and sleeves are missing.

But the body of it is beautifully made from gauzy weight itajime dyed cotton or where a repeat pattern is dyed into the cloth using a series of hand carved boards that are cut in mirror image. Three of these boards are for sale on this site here.

The red color is produced from synthetically produced dyes that arrived in Japan in the late 19th century. However the pink swath of shibori on the front, collar area is dyed in benibana or safflower and the inclusion of this piece of cloth on the han juban is a bonus and one of the many reasons to consider acquiring this piece.

The han juban is shown both inside and out in order to reveal the wonderful piecing, patching and mending which add rustic charm to this garment. Note, as illustrated on the attached detail photos, there is some ingrained discoloration. Otherwise the han juban is in the condition you would imagine it would be after surviving over 100 years of existence.

There is so much to see and discover on this old garment and its intrinsically beautiful presentation is but an entry point to find more interesting details to admire.

Recommended.