Black/Rust/Gray Vintage Tsumugi, Silk Ikat from Japan, Probably Oshima by the Yard, #766

Beloved in Japan, Oshima Tsumugi Pongee is hand-dyed, hand-woven, time consuming and difficult to produce. The intricate pattern is created in the ikat weave, and the dyes are made from mud and tree bark from the volcanic island of Oshima. This one is a dark, faux patchwork with true rich smooth black, quite a bit of gray, nicely contrasting rust-red, and a bit of tan and cocoa. The paper label has been removed for some reason, but the woven calligraphy and the fringe are what we know as certified Oshima Tsumugi Silk, and that's what we think this silk is. It's thin, smooth and light, with body. It's slightly crisp, soft to the touch, not quite shiny, not drapey at all. It's a true ikat, and the back looks just the same. This is a vintage, never used bolt designed for a kimono, which has been carefully stored for many decades. It's in excellent condition, and is more beautiful in person than the photos.  14" wide, sold by the full yard. We'll cut yours in one continuous piece from the never-used vintage bolt. 100% Silk. Japan.

The black and all the colors are smooth, strong, even and consistent. The camera struggles with such detail but in reality this complex gorgeous silk isn't at all cloudy or dull.  It's one of the nicer black Oshimas we've had.

Ōshima Tsumugi is dyed with mud and dye from the bark of Sharinbai Tree. This creates a black color.  We think this is an Amami Oshima Tsumugi. Read more here.