A Set of Figured Crepe Silk Samples from the 1920s: Varied Designs

1920s
each swatch approximately: 12" x 6 1/2", 30.5 cm x 16.5 cm

This hand made set of crepe silk swatches of slightly different sizes shows 16 designs that have been taken from kimono. Ingrained creases on some of the swatches attest to their former life as garments.

The pieces show a good variety of traditional designs some of which have a modern edge: as they were made in the early twentieth century some are clearly modernist in concept while others are riffs on standard designs.

By all accounts the designs on these swatches seem to be commercially produced which is in keeping with their age.

This is a rich trove of Japanese design that will serve as inspiration or raw materials for an artist or designer.