Indigo Dyed Cotton and Hemp

This remarkable Sakiori Hanten immediately distinguishes itself through its striking composition, exceptional craftsmanship, and unusually vivid indigo palette. Broad horizontal bands of recycled cloth create a richly textured surface, while the garment’s generous proportions and excellent state of preservation set it apart from many surviving examples.

The body of the garment is woven with a strong bast fiber warp—likely hemp—and a weft of fully indigo-dyed cotton, a combination prized for its durability and resilience. The varied tones of recycled indigo cloth create subtle shifts in color and texture across the surface, revealing the character of the woven strips while preserving a harmonious overall composition.

Most intriguing are the sleeves, woven from light blue (asagi iro) cotton and reinforced with finely executed sashiko stitching. Their refined appearance stands in quiet contrast to the more utilitarian body of the coat, suggesting a purpose beyond ordinary workwear. Whether intended to denote status or for ceremonial use, they lend the garment an air of mystery that remains unresolved. The combination of exceptional materials, uncommon sleeve construction, and remarkably fresh color makes this an outstanding example of Japanese sakiori textiles.