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This vibrant juban represents a masterful application of traditional shibori resist-dyeing techniques to create an exuberant pattern that exemplifies the bold aesthetic experimentation of the early Showa period. The hand-woven silk's coarse texture provides an ideal foundation for the shibori process, allowing the resist patterns to achieve the characteristic soft-edged, organic quality that distinguishes this technique from more mechanically precise printing methods. The undulating lattice framework creates a rhythmic structure filled with oval medallions, each containing intricate tie-dyed motifs that range from deep teals and emerald greens to warm oranges, sunny yellows, and pristine whites, all set against a rich brown ground that unifies the composition.
The shibori technique employed here appears to combine multiple method to achieve the varied textures and patterns within each medallion. The resulting effects create an almost kaleidoscopic quality, where each oval compartment becomes a small universe of radiating patterns and color gradations. This approach reflects the period's fascination with both traditional craft revival and bold color experimentation, as artisans pushed the boundaries of conventional shibori to create more dynamic and visually striking effects than typically seen in earlier, more restrained examples of the technique.
The juban's exuberant pattern and brilliant color palette embody the optimistic, modernizing spirit of 1920s-30s Japan, when traditional techniques were being revitalized and transformed to meet contemporary tastes for more expressive and individualistic design. As an undergarment, this piece would have provided its wearer with a private source of visual pleasure and personal expression, while the hand-woven silk's substantial texture ensured durability for regular wear.
It measures 48 inches (122 cm) from sleeve-end to sleeve-end and stands at 50 inches (127 cm) in height.