1940's-1950's Vintage Japanese Textiles:
Deadstock Vintage Japanese Hemp Fabric (Asa)

Width:14inches / 37cm

Catalog# 4685

US$15.00 per Yard (.91m)
(Minimum 1yd, half yard increments after first yard)

Immediately Above: 3 Swirls, 44 inches (1.1m) long

Immediately Above: Horizontal Line is a fold

This is a fairly rare deadstock asa (hemp) in that most of the asa we find are pieces from old garments, whereas this came to us in an unused roll. Asa is a reed-based fabric more common in Japan in the pre-World War II era, particularly in Meiji period and earlier; Asa is much stronger than cotton and lasts longer; This piece has a coarse feel to it as well as being somewhat porous and slightly translucent. Asa fabrics were used to make some summer clothing, various covers, cloth to cover cabinet doors or food, and similar utilitarian purposes in old agrarian Japan.

The color is a light cocoa background with swirls with fan-shaped figure in center, all in aqua-blue.The fan-shaped flower at center of each swirl is 7 inches / 17.8cm across. The fabric is intentionally wrinkled, with wrinkles running lengthwise, and has slight elasticity. Very interesting sample of asa.

Condition: EXCELLENT, strong, no holes,no stains.

Perhaps of interest to textile artists, Japanese textile collectors and Japanophile traditional fabric enthusiasts.