Vintage Japanese Kimono Fabrics by Pieces: Japanese Textile Fabric Swatches

6793: 1930s-50s Deadstock Japanese Meisen Silk Fabric, Abstract,Yard

Vintage Japanese Textiles:
1930s to 1950s Meisen Silk Fabric Piece
Abstract, By Piece

Width: 14.25 inches / 36.2 cm
Length: 57 inches / 144.78 cm

Catalog# 6793:

List Price: US$20.00 per piece
Sale Price: US$10.00
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Fabric History/Pedigree:

Fabric Description: Lightweight meisen silk, slightly translucent, is estimated from 1930s-1950s; Meisen is defined literally as 'common silk stuff'; and has grown in popularity in the last few years; Meisen from that period are usually larger bold patterns and bright colors. See close-ups.

Fabric Motif: Unusual Japanese design (Western influences, less typically traditional Japanese) seems Abstract motif of mountain shapes(?) on background is a cream color, though the fabric is replete with other colors (gray, dark gray, pink, moss-green, dark red, and blacks); As is typical in Meisen, note the impressionistic fuzzy edges; patterns same on both sides; this particular meisen has no sheen and is a tad stiff.

Colors: Reminder that colors and contrast differ on different devices, so please refer to our text color descriptions.

Condition: Excellent

Cultural Notes: The best discussion we've found of Meisen silk fabric was on an old blog post by Japundit, excerpted here, from the early 2000's*:

"...Young women have rediscovered(Japan Times) the kimono, and you can see them out in Harajuku on the Sunday fashion parade. There's even a term for these girls -- not surprisingly they are called "kimono girls." There are even some nice books documenting the trend which you can check out at J-List and are definitely worth having if you are at all into fashion...."The meisen kimono, in particular, has become very popular. These kimono were made in the first half of the twentieth century, and were characterized by a glossy sheen, and brilliant patterns. There is often a sort of blurry quality to the silks...."

[*original article is no longer on the internet.] more info on meisen is here.