Vintage Japanese Kimono Fabrics by Pieces: Japanese Textile Fabric Swatches

7152: 1960s Japanese Asa(HempFlax) Fabric, 61 in. Arai-Hari

Vintage Japanese Textiles:

1960s Asa (HempFlax) Fabric
Arai-Hari

Width: 14.5 inches / 36.83 cm
Length: 61 inches / 154.94 cm

Catalog# 7152:

List Price: US$25.00 per piece plus shipping
Sale Price: US$12.50 per piece plus shipping

Fabric History/Pedigree: Pieces received from a traditional Japanese kimono cleaner /reconstructor called Arai-Hari -- see an excellent explanation of traditional Arai Hari by textile expert John Marshall, by clicking HERE.

Fabric Description: Very lightweight, translucent, and lightly textured fabric is called Asa, flax or hemp-based traditional fabric made in Japan for centuries up until the 1960s; Asa is usually harder than silk or cotton, and has utilitarian purposes such as coverings, screen mesh, work clothing; Asa is stronger and lasts longer than cotton; This particular piece is thinner, lighter and softer than most we see from this period, so it was probably intended for use in making a summer kimono or coat; as a result, this piece has a bit more drape than usual for asa; Background color is black with a checkerboard-like pattern in grays & silver-whites; The black squares are 2 inches square (5.08 cm squared), and the other blocks are 2.75 inches X 3 inches (6.99cm X 7.62cm); The rectangles are rendered with the gray and silver-white pixelated threads, and composed of 4 diamond shapes (please view closeups).

Note on colors: As all devices have differing colorations, please use our text descriptions of colors to complement your sense of the contrast and color of the images of the fabric.

Recommended for making a scarf or accessory; also of interest to Japanese textile collectors and designers

Condition: Excellent for its age.