Four-panel kon (dark-blue) indigo-dyed cotton bed cover, red and white threads woven into warp and weft creating patterns of circles , squares, and checks. Top cover only, no backing or wadding, very good condition. Early 1900’s. L.69”(175cm) x W.55”(140cm.)
Futonji, bed covers, were a common bridal trousseau item in feudal and early-modern Japan. They may have been made by the bride before marriage (in very rural areas,) or more likely commissioned by the bride’s family. The bed cover was oft ...click for details
Kasuri Kimono.
Kumejima, Okinawa Prefecture;
ca. 1960.
"Kumejima kasuri dorozome ni
gyoku kasuri"
(ikat, mud-dyed, 2 pattern per panel, kasuri kimono from Kumejima
[an island of Okinawa Prefecture.])
L.60 x W.48”
Kumejima tsumugi (Kumejima Silk Pongee)
The stylized patterns depicted are described by the following Okinawan words: (squares) taachi busaa, (rectangles) mimichikitou “pig trough”, (lattice/check) kujiri koushi, (zig zag) miji fuu “water clouds”.
The color ...click for details
Kasuri Kimono
"te-ui ai ji e-gasuri koushigara kimono"
(Hand-woven indigo dye picture ikat lattice [checked] pattern kimono.)
Yanagi Yoshitaka (7.25.1911 ~ 8.20.2003)
Cotton, ikat weave. L.60 x W.48”
ca. 1955
Yanagi Yoshitaka was a well-known Japanese weaver and textile educator. He was the nephew of Folk Craft Movement (Mingei Undou) founder Yanagi Soetsu, and was a founding member of Shin-Kougei Bu
(New Crafts Club) along with his uncle and the potter Hamada Shoji. His en ...click for details
Kon, dark blue, Indigo-dyed cotton haori woven in botan kasuri (peony ikat) technique. Cotton liner features pattern of a crane’s head within hexagons, representing tortoise shells; both crane and tortoise symbolizing long life. A haori is a jacket worn over the kimono when going out. In contemporary fashion, it can easily be worn over jeans for casual wear or slacks for a more elegant look. Excellent condition, ca. mid-late1900’s. L.42”(107cm) x W.49”(124.5cm.)
Kasuri techniques came to Japan ...click for details
Outer kimono of kasuri (ikat) woven dark indigo-dyed cotton in pattern known as botan-kasuri (peony ikat.) Inner lining is a printed fabric depicting heroic imagery related to Chushingura, the saga of the 47 Ronin; snowy pine trees, helmets, drums, and the retainers themselves. This would have made an excellent kimono to wear on Tango no Sekku (Boy’s Day, which in Japan has recently become the more politically correct “Kodomo no Hi,” or Children’s Day.) Excellent condition, mid-late 1900’s. W.47 ...click for details
Indigo-dyed heavy cotton shop Apron, Unknown business. Stencil-dyed on both sides with shop name and address: “Takara;” braided cotton waist tie. Top line: “Saikou Kyuu Hin” (Top grade Excellent Goods,) logo: “Takara” (Treasure) character with image of Daikoku’s (one of the 7 Lucky Gods) hammer, 3rd line: “Daibenkyo no Mise” (A Shop with great discounts/bargaining opportunities.) This apron could be used generically for any type of business. Very good condition. Late1900’s. L.30”(76cm) x W.18.5” ...click for details
