6835:1960s Japanese Asa(Hemp/Flax) Fabric, Piece 57"(AraiHari)

Vintage Japanese Textiles:
1960s Asa (Hemp/Flax) Fabric
Arai-Hari

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

Catalog# 6835:

US$15.00 per piece

Fabric History/Pedigree: Pieces received from 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: This thin lightweight and translucent mesh-like fabric is called Asa, flax or hemp-based traditional fabric made in Japan for centuries up until the 1950s or 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 stiffer in the hand, but thinner and lighter than much older asa that we see, so it might have been intended for use in making a garment of some type. (probably a summer garment); this black fabric has very small-scale geometric maze-like designs done by the interweaving; the lines of the maze are white with some burgundy-red accents scattered throughout the full field of the fabric (see close-ups); same on both sides.

Condition: Excellent for age.