7151:1950s Japanese Asa(HempFlax) Fabric, Piece 1 Yard AraiHari

Vintage Japanese Textiles:
1950s Asa (HempFlax) Fabric
Arai-Hari

Width: 14 inches / 35.56 cm
Length: 1 Yard / 91.44 cm

Catalog# 7151:

US$12.00 per piece

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 click-pushing 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 more drape than usual for asa; Background color is black with designs in grays; the motif is a classic one of 3.25 inches(8.26cm) diameter circles that overlap each other, filling the fabric in a symmetrical array; the circles are created with four pointed ovals in the round, with 4 blossoms flower centers;(resembles a mon family crest); design can be seen as rows, or as diagonals, a sort of illusion created by the way the circles overlap (like a Venn Diagram); we found this creative design quite interesting, not something we see much at all.

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 scarf or accessory; also of interest to Japanese textile collectors and designers

Condition: Excellent for its age.