A Deeply Dyed Indigo Jacket or Half Under Kimono: Gorgeous Hand Spun Yarns

late nineteenth, early twentieth century
shoulder to hem x sleeve tip to sleeve tip: 30" x 36", 76 cm x 91.5 cm

This hand stitched jacket is no doubt recycled from other hand spun, hand woven, indigo dyed cotton cloth. Its form suggests that this was used as a rustic half under kimono known as a han juban.

The sleeve edges are ragged and unfinished and they are made from two designs of middle figure katazome cloth and the combination is charming.

The real star, however, of this garment is subtle: it is the hand spun, hand woven cotton that is dyed in deep indigo: the indigo color is dark like sapphire yet beautifully luminous at the same time. 

The patina from human wear is soft and beautiful, and it shows off the hand spun yarns beautifully. 

There is patching and wear to the garment and there is also some wear to the piece, especially around the collar area.

This jacket is still very much able to be worn or it would be an ideal piece to display or study.

Recommended.