Japanese Textile Art

Okinawan Bast fibers are dyed prior to the intricate pattern weaving...they are extraordinary!

DESCRIPTION:

The weaving of grass Bast fibre (linen), known collectively in Japan as “Asa,” is best represented by Ramie (“Choma” or “Karamushi”). It seems to have been cultivated in fields from the time of its introduction to Japan. The use of these fabrics was restricted to the noble and the wealthy in the summer months, as the Bast fibers could only be worn in June, July and August,

In Okinawa, the Japanese were not allowed to wear the fabrics that the wealthy and high standing individuals of Japan proper were allowed to wear. The fabulous fabrics and imaginative patterns that have come to us from Okinawa, collectively known as Oshima, were, thus, an elaborate effort to attain the same style and type of fabric in such a manner as to disguise its origin. The results are unrivaled in their exquisite quality and mastery of weaving. In ancient Okinawa, to envelop your body with a woven cloth represented your desire to embrace and to protect the sacred spirit concealed within the body. Thus, this Kimono was much more than a protective covering, before the development of any aesthetic or social significance; it also expressed a religious belief.

The hand weaving is distinguished by Bast fibers that have been tied with string in predetermined areas dictated by the desired design, then immersed in a natural dye. The overall small repeat pattern of Kanji characters is referred to as a "Meiji jimon" design. It's fine detailing is extraordinary. To achieve the neutral coloring, the Okinawans combined the iron rich soil of Kume Island with the natural colors of their plant life; which, alone, created many of the other variations in natural dyes. Kasuri motifs range from several inches in width and height to only a fraction of an inch. This fine fabric is greatly prized and extraordinarily expensive today, as it required a year’s work for the weaving of one garment. Oshima Island lies in Kagoshima Prefecture in the Okinawan chain of islands

COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: Japan

TYPE TEXTILE: Summer Kimono

APPROXIMATE DATE OR PERIOD: Late Meiji Era (1868 - 1911) to Early Taisho Era (1912 - 1925)

FABRIC CONTENT and CONDITION: Natural Bast fibers in excellent condition.

FINISHED SIZE: approximately 49"wide x 54" high, fairly typical size

PRESENTATION: To hand as an example of the fine old weaving of Oshima, or to wear as a summer Kimono or, as I have witnessed in Japan, to convert it to a long jumper for a particularly stylish and, one of a kind, garment.

A Certificate of Authenticity is included.

PRICE: $375

TTAC will personally pack and ship via UPS at company expense within the continental United States.