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This juban represents a remarkable example of textile experimentation that transforms what appears to be a patchwork composition into a unified artistic statement through innovative silkscreen printing on kinsha silk. Rather than being assembled from separate fabric samples, this undergarment demonstrates the sophisticated technique of printing multiple sample patterns onto continuous lengths of cloth, creating distinct rectangular sections that showcase an extraordinary range of design vocabularies within a single garment. Each section functions as a miniature textile study, featuring diverse motifs including geometric stripes in sage green, polka-dotted bands in earth tones, intricate white patterns on purple grounds, and delicate naturalistic elements like butterflies and hanging lanterns (chochin) rendered in subtle gradations.
The composition reflects the Taisho era's spirit of artistic experimentation and cultural synthesis, where traditional Japanese motifs were being reinterpreted through modern production methods and international design influences. The varied geometric patterns—from stepped chevrons to linear abstractions—suggest the influence of contemporary movements like Art Deco and Bauhaus design, while the inclusion of classical elements like the suspended lanterns maintains connection to Japanese aesthetic traditions. This juban embodies the period's characteristic blend of innovation and tradition, demonstrating how undergarments could serve as canvases for creative expression even when hidden beneath outer robes. The silkscreen technique allowed for precise registration of multiple colors and patterns while maintaining the efficiency needed for commercial production, making this piece both an artistic achievement and a testament to the technological advances in textile printing that characterized early 20th-century Japanese manufacturing. The seemingly random arrangement of patterns creates a dynamic visual rhythm that transforms a utilitarian garment into a sophisticated example of textile art that bridges the gap between traditional craftsmanship and modern industrial design.
It measures 48 inches (122 cm) from sleeve-end to sleeve-end and stands at a height of 52 inches (132 cm).