A Meisen Silk Haori: Vibrant Swirls

mid twentieth century
32 1/2" x 50", 82.5 cm x 127 cm

This is a haori or kimono jacket made of Meisen silk, a kind of "everyday" silk that was developed in the Meiji era (1868 - 1912) at a time when Japan's strict sumptuary laws were lifted: these laws dictated what people were allowed to wear and consume (among many other things), notable among the strictures was a ban against common people wearing silk.

Meisen represents the democratization of silk in a changing Japan and it was consumed readily.  Its boom market prompted huge manufacture, which, of course, meant that countless new designs needed to be developed.

Meisen is a kind of machine aided kasuri cloth, the quality of silk being pedestrian as these were kimono that were not expensive and were meant to be worn on a regular basis as "town wear."

This is a particularly good example of the "jazzy" or modern style of pattern which has come to characterize Meisen kimono and garments.

The bold, almost-psychedelic large repeat is done in saturated colors. The swirling effect is heightened by the large scale of the pattern and the rich tones of it. The haori is half lined in back with a cloth bearing the design of cranes.

This haori is in good condition and has only one small stain, shown.

A very, very good example of a Meisen garment this is recommended.