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Japanese Kihachijo Yellow Kimono, Mid-Showa browse these categories for related items... All Items: Vintage Arts: Regional Art: Asian: Japanese: Textiles: Pre 1960: item # 511174
BENIBANA New York, Tokyo, and Beyond www.trocadero.com/benibana $350 |
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This kimono is made of a special type of silk called "kihachijo" --the "ki" means yellow, and hachijo (-jima) refers to the island in which this specialized silk fabric is made. Hachijo-jima is a small island 290 kilometers from Tokyo, out in the Pacific (part of Izu island chain). For approx. 800 years, the residents of this island have been producing silk (since the Heian period!). The distinctive mustard yellow dye used for Kihachijo silk is obtained from the kariyasu plant (Arthraxon hispidus Makino). The ashes of burned camellia and "sakaki" bush wood are used as the mordant. The pattern for Kihachijo silk has always been a simple plaid. Silks from Hachijo-jima (besides, yellow, a distinctive black silk was also produced) were "tribute clothes" for many hundreds of years, until the end of the Edo period; during this time, only high ranking members of the military class could afford (and were allowed) to wear such a kimono. Kihachijo kimono were worn by men and women alike. In 1952, yellow plaid Kihachijo silk fabric was declared an Intangible Cultural Asset, providing some protection for this endangered traditional textile art form. Today, fewer than 100 weavers continue the tradition. Measurements: 59.5 in. long; 50 in. wide (sleeve-to-sleeve) Condition: excellent. No stains, holes, rips, or other damage. The lining is also silk, and it is also clean and w/o stains. Approx. 30-50 years old. THIS ITEM IS AVAILABLE. PAYMENT INSTRUCTIONS |
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