This is a han-juban ( short under kimono )called "ase-hajiki" which literally means "sweat shedder" in Japanese. It is made of hand-woven asa ( hemp ) and warps are twisted ( it is called "mojiri ori" ). It is dyed with natural indigo and produced in Tohoku district ( North-east ). The sleeves are made of white cotton cloth. In good condition. Late 19th century. 89cm x 74cm

This is a baby's kaya ( mosquito net ) made of hand-spun cotton and dyed with natural indigo. It has cotton bengara-iro ( reddish brown ) katazome cloth and wa-sarasa ( Japanese chintz ) rims. In good condition except for some mending patches and holes. Meiji period ( 1868~1912 ) W:103cm L:72cm H:88cm 40.5", 10.6", 34.6"

This is a bag hand-woven of asa cords and dyed with natural indigo. It is for a box which swords are put in. 19th century. In good condition. 19cm x 113cm

These are two pieces of cloth which were girl's kimono. The wefts as well as warps are hand-plied hemp and dyed with benibana ( safflower ) which was very precious dye. Benibana was mostly grown in Shonai region in Yamagata prefecture in Tohoku district. These pieces have beautiful shibori ( tie-dye ). Each piece has vertical hand-sewn seams. In good condition. One piece:31.5cm x 160cm

This is a cloth hand-plied and hand-woven of asa ( hemp ) and it is not dyed, so it has natural color. It has rough and thick texture. In good condition except for some rifts. Late 19th century. 35.5cm x 3m48cm

This is a cloth hand-plied and hand-woven of asa ( hemp ) and it is not dyed, so it has natural color. It has rough and thick texture. In good condition except for some rifts and wear and a hole in the end. Late 19th century. 35cm x 3m32cm

This is a noren which is made of hand-woven cloth, asa ( hemp ) threads for wefts and cotton threads for warps. It has "Genji-guruma" crest and bold tsutsugaki auspicious motifs such as bamboo, pine tree and plum tree blossoms. These motifs are rather common, but the hand-painting is very lively and strong. Tsutsugaki is freehand-painting using rice paste as resist. It is probably not for a shop but one of bridal goods...

This is a dochu-gi made of hand-plied and hand-woven asa ( hemp ) and dyed with natural indigo. It was worn outdoor over kimono. It was worn in summer as it is made of asa. It is rare as all the cords, buttons and ornaments are in perfect condition, but it has stains from getting wet. The collar is made of black wool. 19th century. 126cm x 84cm

This is a furoshiki ( wrapping cloth ) made of hand-woven asa ( hemp ). It has beautiful irregular stripes of wefts which are also natural indigo dyed asa. It has owner's name drawn with sumi ( ink ). In good condition but has a mending patch. Late 19th to early 20th century. 69.5cm x 86.5cm

This is a beautiful girl's kimono made of hand-woven asa ( hemp ) and dyed with benibana ( safflower ). Benibana was cultivated in Shonai region in old days in Yamagata prefecture in Tohoku district, however it is mainly imported from abroad now. Meiji period ( 1868~1912 ) In excellent condition except for a hole in the lower back ( 3mm x 5mm ). 70cm x 86cm 27.6" x 33.9"

This is a uniform hanten worn at the Gion matsuri ( or Gion-e ) which is the festival of Yasaka Shrine in Kyoto. It is held from July 17 to July 24 every year. Yamahoko procession is one of the main events. This hanten is made of handwoven hemp and it has katazome ( stencil-dyeing ) pattern dyed with natural indigo. In good condition except for patina and a hole in one side. Meiji period ( 1868~1912 ) 120cm x 80cm 47.2" x 31.5"

This is a waistcloth remade from fine asa ( jofu ) kimono which is called "katabira". The original "katabira" was made in late Edo period. It has beautiful embroidery with silk threads dyed with vegetable colors. In excellent condition. Late Edo period ( ca. early to mid 19th C ). 105cm x 70cm 41.3" x 27.6"