6923: 1930s-50s Deadstock Japanese Meisen Silk Fabric, Yard

Vintage Japanese Textiles:
1930s to 1950s Meisen Silk Fabric Piece
Abstract, By Piece

Width: 14.25 inches / 36.2 cm
Length: 57 inches / 144.78 cm

Catalog# 6923:

US$10.00 per yard

Fabric History/Pedigree:

Fabric Description: Lightweight meisen black silk, very slightly translucent, is estimated from 1930s-1950s; Meisen is defined literally as 'common silk stuff'; and has grown in popularity in the last few years; Meisen from that period are usually larger bold patterns and bright colors; This piece is evocative and looks like the sort of designs seen more often in cotton kasuri(ikat);

Designs are configured with fuzzy-edged 'plus-signs' or hash-tag-looking figures in rows and clusters. Note the white zig-zag array running lengthwise; design colors are red, light mustard, and white; patterns same on both sides; this particular meisen has no sheen and is a tad stiff; Please see close-ups.

Colors: Reminder that colors and contrast differ on different devices, so please refer to our text color descriptions.

Condition: Excellent.

Cultural Notes: The best discussion we've found of Meisen silk fabric was on an old blog post by Japundit, excerpted here, from the early 2000's*:

"...Young women have rediscovered(Japan Times) the kimono, and you can see them out in Harajuku on the Sunday fashion parade. There's even a term for these girls -- not surprisingly they are called "kimono girls." There are even some nice books documenting the trend which you can check out at J-List and are definitely worth having if you are at all into fashion...."The meisen kimono, in particular, has become very popular. These kimono were made in the first half of the twentieth century, and were characterized by a glossy sheen, and brilliant patterns. There is often a sort of blurry quality to the silks...."

[*original article is no longer on the internet.] more info on meisen is here.