A Faux Shibori Indigo Dyed Cotton Han Juban: Kanoko Shibori Katazome

early to mid twentieth century
shoulder to seam: 26 3/4", 68 cm 
shoulder to shoulder: 24", 61 cm

This wonderfully simple garment is an indigo dyed cotton han juban or a half-under kimono.  The pattern on the han juban is stencil resist dyed, or katazome dyed, the design is meant to simulate kanoko shibori or fawn dappled shibori.

The katazome dyeing is done in an imperfect way, which is really charming.  You can see there are stray bits of indigo here and there, the result of careless dyeing, several views of this are seen in the accompanying detail photos.  Also you can see that there are lines of sun fading on front and back of the under garment.

Notice as well that the pattern of the shibori meets in mirror image, as can also be seen in the accompanying detail photos.

A wonderful garment of katazome dyeing from old Japan.

Charming.