All-Shibori Vintage Kimono Silk Piece, Lime/Off-White/Indigo, from Japan, 14" x 38" Item #239

Soft, supple, flowy, with liquid drape and wonderful, slightly bumpy shibori texture, these pieces were once part of a haori kimono jacket.  It had been dis-assembled for cleaning which includes basting on a thin, semi-sheer white silk lining  on to the back of each piece so that it would keep its shape while being cleaned. This one was cleaned then sold to us with the lining still on, which has helped it stay in lovely condition over the years. (It's not the actual kimono lining; just loosely based on and meant to be removed before the kimono was re-sewn).  The abstract pattern is reminiscent of the pattern in turtle shell. The base silk is lightweight, thin, and creamy white, not bright white, and the tie dye has made much of it very pale lime.  It's hard to see due to how tightly spaced the shibori knots are, but it's probably a jacquard silk which adds lustre and a soft sheen. Incredibly detailed shibori work.  The lining is done with large hand basting stitches in diagonal rows and inch or two apart, using white thread. The selvedges look great; no little notch snips that we've found. Excellent condition. We think it was pressed after washing; the shibori bumps are smoother than many we see. 

Sold per piece of the size shown above. 100% Silk. Japan.