Bashofu Robe (banana fiber)
Okinawa, Japan
Late 19th/early 20th century
47 x 47 inches (119 x 120 cm)
A banana fiber garment, lined with cotton at the shoulders and upper back. Now rare, these garments were used in the tropical climate of Okinawa, favored for their lightness and coolness.
The texture of the fiber used in these weavings as well as their natural color is what makes them so appealing. For a similar example see Thomas Murray, Textiles of Japan, pages 392-393 (Hali Publications, 2018)
From the collection of California artist Barbara Shawcroft.
SOLD
