An Omi Jofu Child's Kimono: Three Semamori or Stitched Amulets

late nineteenth, early twentieth century
29" x 27", 74 cm x 68.5 cm

This is a child's kasuri dyed hemp or ramie kimono that dates to the late nineteenth century. Whoever was the child who wore this kimono they must have been fortunate: the cloth used to make this kimono is known as Omi jofu and it is a luxury cloth.

Omi jofu is a sophisticated type of bast fiber weaving known for its fine, hand plied yarns and for weaving of the highest quality. It is woven in what is now Shiga prefecture and the region of Omi lends this cloth its name.

The kimono shows a pattern of stylized peaches, hexagon shapes (a reference to tortoiseshell which is a symbol of longevity) and what appear to be grain measures, a symbol of abundance.

But what really stands out or enhances this child's kimono are the three hand-stitched semamori or protective amulets meant to shield the wearer from harm.

One semamori is placed prominently on the back, top, center of the kimono while the two others act to secure the two crepe silk ribbons to the body of the kimono. Please note these ribbons are loosely stitched to the base cloth.

This small kimono with its presence of three elaborately-stitched semamori and its beautifully woven cloth is a beauty and definitely deserves a good home.

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