7959: 12Yds Bolt, 1940s Maker'sDeadstock Japanese Echigo Ramie Asa

Vintage Japanese Textiles:
Pre-War 1940s Ramie Asa Fabric
Deadstock 11m/12yds Bolt, in Original Bindings & Labels
(Certified Echigo, Hokuto Mfg, Asa Maker- Niigata)

Width: 14 inches / 35.56 cm
Length: Estimated12yards / 10.97m

Catalog# 7959

US$145.00
Plus shipping

Fabric History/Pedigree: Rare 11m bolt of asa (hemp) fabric, pre-war (from 1945 or earlier) received from a traditional Japanese kimono cleaner /reconstructor in a lot with other old kimono fabric pieces, lots, and rolls/bolts; Well-kept fabric for its age--Quite rare for us to find a full asa bolt from that period.

Fabric Description: Lightweight, slightly translucent charcoal-black and gray mini-checkered fabric is called Asa, a hemp-based traditional fabric made in Japan for centuries up until the 1950s; this fabric is a subtype of Hemp Asa, a slight crepe type called ramie( Boehmeria nivea); Asa is usually harder than silk or cotton and has utilitarian purposes such as coverings, screen mesh, and work clothing; tis one is lighter and smoother for use in clothing.

Asa is stronger and lasts longer than cotton. This particular bolt is thinner, probably intended for making a summer kimono; fabric is smoother than more utilitarian asa we see; Pictures show a mini-mesh checkerboard pattern, black and gray-white, with elements about 1/8th inch / 3.17mm squared, same on both sides; Large label closeup (under the fold)is the factory's maker's mark), other smaller labels are for certification of the asa as authentic Echigo type asa (currently called Niigata province); in addition, the thread bindings are also made of finer asa threads; please see close-ups.

Recommended for making kimonos or accessories, and for Japanese antique textile aficionados.

Condition: Excellent.