A beautiful
early 20th century wrap-style top is made from fine silk crepe and features hand painted floral motifs with strong Japanese influence. Both sides of the garment are decorated and finished, making this a fully reversible piece, wearable on either the black or the light silk side.
The hand painted decoration includes chrysanthemum-style flowers and bamboo elements arranged in asymmetrical compositions, typical of Japanese export silk from the early decades of the 20th century. The lighter side is also hand painted, confirming this was intended as a double-sided, versatile garment rather than a lined piece.
The top has a wrap construction with a V-neckline and wide kimono-style sleeves. It closes with long attached ties that can be wrapped around the waist and tied at the back or front, allowing some flexibility in fit. The cut is unstructured and lightweight, without internal support or lining, consistent with early 20th century loungewear and boudoir garments.
The silk is hand painted rather than printed, visible in the variation of pigment density and brushwork on both sides.
Measurements:
• Shoulder + sleeve 50 cm / 19.75"
• Length including waistband 43 cm / 17"
Size is one size.
The silk shows visible fatigue and vertical wear lines, particularly on the black side. This wear is consistent with natural ageing of early 20th century silk and prolonged storage. There are no holes or structural tears, and the garment remains intact and wearable with appropriate care.
