Vintage Japanese Kimono Fabrics by Pieces: Japanese Textile Fabric Swatches

7935:1930-50s Japanese Meisen Silk 56in.Pc Deadstock, Geometric,Plum Colors

1930s-1950s Japanese Textiles:

Deadstock Japanese Kimono Meisen Silk Fabric Piece
Concentric Rectangles Figures in Staggered Rows

Catalog #: 7935

Width: 14.25 inches / 36.2 cm
Length: 56 inches / 142.24 cm

US$20.00 per piece plus shipping

Item Details and Description

Fabric History/Pedigree: 1950s or earlier silk fabric pieces from a deadstock roll found with other similar old fabrics.

Fabric Description: Mixed colors dark plum and bright purple - depends on lighting: In room light fabric is a dark plum color, but under bright lights it becomes brighter fabric; this is Meisen silk, very lightweight, translucent bordering on sheer; Designs are geometric figures, elements are three concentric rectangles, 4 inches x 275 inches (10.16 cm X 6.99 cm); these frames themselves in rows and columns, a staggered arraysame on both sides; minimal sheen; less stiff.
Colors: This fabric varies significantly, depending on the lighting. In low room light (no spotlight), it appears as a dark plum color; however, under bright lighting, the dyed mix of colors lends it a brighter purple with hints of pink visible. Colors in the figures are gray, off-white and light pastel pinks; We were unable to capture this to our liking in our photos.

Please note that colors and contrast may differ on each device. 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 kimonos 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 an 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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