An Itajime Shibori Han Juban: Beautiful

early to mid twentieth century
28" x 47", 71 cm x 119.5 cm

This is a cotton han juban or a half under-kimono which is dyed in indigo in the itajime or clamp-dyed shibori process.

The wildly graphic pattern is almost kaleidoscopic in its effect: the itajime design is that of asa no ha or the traditional hemp leaf motif. The indigo dye is strong and velvety blue and the white cotton is bright and contrasting.

The matching of the large scale hemp leaf pattern as it is stitched is fairly free so, for example, the seam running up the back of the han juban shows a clash where the patterns meet in the center.

The han juban is in good, used condition and this is a beautiful, visually exciting shibori textile.

Very recommended.