Rare Japanese Woven Ikat Child Kimono Nemaki

A rare and well preserved Japanese woven child's kimono circa early 20th century (end of Meiji period). The small kimono was a great example of Nemaki (sleepwear) for a young boy, identified by its size and distinct attached and tapered sleeves with opening under the armpits. The distinguished weaving is double-ikat (called Tate-Yoko Kasuri in Japanese), in which both wefts and warps were pre-dyed with resistant paste to create a slightly blurry edges on the squared design, both vertically and horizontally. The white square pattern covers the entire surface. The repetition, the subtle variations and the blurred images make the piece visually arresting. One of the most difficult techniques to master, the demanded precision of the pre-dye is the key to the creation. Closer inspection of the garment further reveals that it was lovely made with great details and care. Subtle plaiting was placed on the front lapel as well as the back shoulder areas. Small loops were sewn onto the chest area (for tie closure). The back of the kimono was lined with a brown fabric with ikat pattern for durability. The end of the inner sleeves was lined with dark blue silk stripes for the same purpose. The Nemaki garment was likely made for a boy of a wealthy family and wasn't used extensively based on the well-preserved condition.
For a similar boy's Nemaki kimono, see "Textile of Japan" Prestel, page 282, illustration 96.
IIkat weaving was originated in Southeast Asia and spread to Japan Mainland in the 17th century via Okinawa (14th century). The cotton production accelerated the development of the textile industry on a much larger scale by then in the Edo period when Kasuri became very popular among the general population.