Vintage Japanese Kimono Fabrics by Pieces: Japanese Textile Fabric Swatches

7932: 1930s-50s Japanese Meisen Silk 61in.Pc.Arai-Hari Black w/Round Cranes

7932: 1950s Japan Meisen Silk,cranes 61inches

Catalog# 7932

1930s to 1950s Japanese Textiles:
From Arai-Hari Cleaners

Japanese Kimono Meisen Silk Fabric Piece
Rare Solid Black w/Rounded Cranes Motif

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

US$20.00 per piece
Plus Shipping

Item Details and Description

Fabric History/Pedigree: 1930s to 1950s silk fabric 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 click-pushing HERE.
Fabric Description: Delicate, thin, very lightweight Meisen silk, translucent (almost sheer), slightly stiff,lightsheen; the solid black background upon close inspection is comprised of a checkerboard style weave; elements are less than 1/8th inch/3.17mm; This style of weave creates a sheen where the weave elements ae visible upon close inspection (See our last closeup image); The design is a modernistic rendering of a classic motif of rounded crane, largest of these are about 4.5 inches / 11.43cm diameter; the color of the cranes is a amber-rust; note that the fabric is almost a sheer level of translucence - please see closeups. This piece same on both sides

Comment: We believe this is a Meisen style weave creating the cranes' designs, but, still, we classify this as an atypical Meisen (Compare below).
Please NOTE that colors and contrast differ on each device so please use our text descriptions to complement your sense of the fabric.
Condition: Excellent
Recommended for making scarves/accessories.

Background Information on Meisen Kimonos:

Meisen is defined literally in our Kenkyuusha dictionary as "...common silk stuff"; meisen fabrics (or garments made from them) are currently called 'meisen'; Meisen kimono were made similarly to kasuri (ikat) , though meisen usually have very colorful patterns with distinct -- often more modern -- motifs and a slight sheen; 1950s meisen have intentionally fuzzy, almost Impressionistic look and often larger designs; Kasuri/ikat, of course, is mostly indigo blue and some white with black. To learn more about kasuri click here.

To see pictures of meisen silk vintage kimonos from Google, touch HERE.

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

"...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 has been pulled]

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