This striking rinzu silk woman's haori features bold hemp-leaf motifs crafted using a wax-resist technique known as "roketsuzome," similar to batik in Indonesia. Over these motifs, several embroidered floral designs enhance the garment. Older wax-resist garments are rare in Japan, possibly due to the scarcity of skilled craftspeople adept in this technique. Measuring 48 inches (122 cm) from sleeve-end to sleeve-end, it stands at 36 inches (91 cm) in height.

This artwork is featured on page 203 of Art Kimono: Aesthetic Revelations of Japan, 1905-1960. This book, published by Yorke Antique Textiles, can be previewed or purchased on our website here.

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