Meiji Cotton Men's Haori: Black Knotted Thread Stripes

This antique cotton men's haori is a rare and well-preserved example of early 20th-century functional textile art, reflecting the disciplined aesthetic of the Meiji era. The garment is rendered in a deep charcoal-black, providing a structured architectural field for its precise, linear surface decoration.

The primary design features a rigorous all-over pattern of fine vertical stripes. A unique technical aspect of this piece is the presence of small white "specks" throughout the fabric, which are actually white threads knotted as part of the fabric construction rather than a dyed pattern. The interior reveals a high-contrast lining featuring bold vertical stripes in coral and cream, a classic Meiji-period "hidden" luxury that adds a layer of private refinement to the somber exterior. This piece demonstrates the period's mastery of durable cotton weaving combined with a sophisticated, minimalist graphic sensibility.

It measures 53 inches (135 cm) from sleeve-end to sleeve-end and stands at a height of 42 inches (107 cm).