Man's Under-kimono (juban), Wool, War Motif, 1920s (item #965515)

Benibana Japanese antiques, antique Japanese textiles, baskets

Man's Under-kimono (juban), Wool, War Motif, 1920s

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All Items: Antiques: Regional Art: Asian: Japanese: Textiles: Pre 1920: item # 965515

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Man's Under-kimono (juban), Wool, War Motif, 1920s

This is a rare, early 20th century Japanese man's under-kimono (juban) made of a fine woolen fabric.

The motifs on the surface of this kimono display the latest in modern war technologies: Tank; battleship; bi-lane (flying over mountains of China?); train.

The design reflects Japan's hyper-nationalism of the times, and was worn to show one's support for the war effort.

Kimono such as this one belong to the so-called war-time "wearable propaganda" genre of textiles of the early 20th century. Unlike the propaganda textiles of the West, which were mainly worn by women, these textiles were predominantly worn by men and young boys in Japan. They were produced and worn as part of a patriotic response to Japan at war.

MATERIAL
Outer: Finely woven wool (mosulin).
Inner: Cotton.

DATE: Early 20th century. May date to 1910s due to style of tank and train (see detail pics).

MEASUREMENTS
Width -- 50 in (127 cm);
Length -- 50 in. (127 cm)

CONDITION
Excellent; Like new. No fading. Lining is very clean (no stains). No insect holes.