An Arashi Shibori Han Juban: Storm Shibori

ca. mid twentieth century
21" x 23", 53.25 cm x 58.5 cm

This lovely, indigo dyed cotton garment is a han juban or a half-under-kimono.  In this case, it is sleeveless, because sleeves in old Japan were routinely applied and replaced for various reasons, most likely they were changed due to wear. 

This under kimono is made from pleated and pole wrapped shibori called arashi, or storm, as the pleated, indigo pattern looks like driving rain.  The arashi shibori is clear and deeply colored: notice some blips and scrunches in the diagonal lines, the result of hand pleating, and, to our eyes, very attractive.

The garment is completely hand stitched and aside from some surface wear and a few, quite small and very faint stains (very few), this beautiful, old shibori garment is in good condition.

A really lovely and simple article of shibori dyed clothing from old Japan.