Black/Blue/Black Shadows Tsumugi Ikat, Vintage Kimono Silk from Japan By the Yard #754

By far mostly black, with subtle, ikat-created (with lots of black) blue traditional Japanese symbols nearly hidden in the dark. It's all done with ikat and soft, slubby, thick-and-thin silk fibers. Tsumugi like this was originally made hundreds of years ago from the floor sweepings left over from weaving fine, expensive silk. The peasants had to wear the 'waste silk' Tsumugi kimonos. Now, Tsumugi is loved and respected in Japan, and kimono from Tsumugi are known for being light, soft and warm, and for being worn for several generations. This silk is thick and strong, heavy for silk, with lots of body. It's the same on both sides, slubby and textured, with a cottony, almost flannel-like feel and beautiful gray selvedges. There is no dye transfer; the colors seem fast. Gorgeous. 

 14" wide, 100% silk from Japan, in excellent condition. Sold by the full yard and we'll cut yours in one long piece from the never-used, vintage bolt. 

The tags are gone so we can't say for sure, but we think this is a true Yuki Tsumugi, hand woven and hand dyed, with indigo and other natural dyes. If so it's the type of silk designated as one of the Important Intangible Cultural Properties of Japan, and inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.