Seldom-Seen Vintage Japanese Textiles:
1950's Japanese Echigo Asa (Hemp/Flax) Kimono Fabric

Width: 14.5" / 36.8cm

Catalog# 4525

US$15.00/yard (91cm)
Sold by the yard
Minimum Order 1yard, half-yard increments above one(1) yard

This is a rarely seen fabric called Japanese asa, a hemp or flax based fabric more common before the modern era. This fabric is called Echigo Asa, meaning from the Echigo area, Japan Sea side, due north of Tokyo, now called Niigata prefecture.

Asa is stronger and lasts longer than cotton-based textiles. This off-white piece is slightly translucent, somewhat hard as it is un-used and very slightly coarse to the touch; was original intended for use in making a light summer kimono (yukata); Estimated as from the 1950s.

Patterns are dyed same on both sides of figures of incomplete circles overlapping in asymmetrical fashion; The circle patterns are somewhere between a light rose-red and a lighter fuschia; the tones vary with different circles (see close-ups).

Of particular interest to Japanese traditional fabric enthusiasts and textile artists; Quite an unusual find, particularly in this condition.

Outstanding condition, clean, strong and no holes.