A Yukata of Yamato gasuri: Cotton Kasuri from Nara

early twentieth century
shoulder to hem x sleeve tip to sleeve tip: 51" x 50", 129.5 cm x 127 cm

This is a yukata or an unlined, casual kimono, which is hand stitched from the marvelously distinctive cotton kasuri cloth from Nara which is known as Yamato gasuri.

Yamato gasuri is woven in countless variations that show great differences in scale, tone and design.

This particular type of kasuri weaving shows a tiny and close repeat of brown weft and blue warp marks which appear due to the confluence of warp and weft yarns that are dyed just in the right way to create this pattern.

The small repeat increases the difficulty for the kasuri weaver.

The yukata is subtle yet shows cloth that required great skill to weave, which not might be apparent if you do not know about the kasuri weaving process.

The garment itself is in good, used condition and it is still very wearable. Alternatively it could also be used for display or to study--it also contains a good amount of historical Yamato gasuri that could be broken down to be put in the service of a creative project.

Recommended.