Antique Hikimawashi Kappa (Wrap-around Rain Cape); Thiel Collection

This Hikimawashi (wrap-around) Kappa (rain cape) from the late 19th-early 20th C. is in pristine condition and an excellent example of this type of wear from the Edo (1600-1868) and Meiji (1868-1912) Periods. It is reversible, with both Kasuri (ikat) indigo dyed heavy cotton and Shima (striped) indigo cotton sides. You can still hear and feel the interior touyu gami washi (hand-made paulownia fiber paper) lining oiled with kakishibu (persimmon tannin) to make it waterproof. The four reinforced toggles are likely a bone material and are also fully intact. It would make a great addition to a textile or clothing private or museum collection, or a large and dramatic decorative piece. H. 38"(96.5cm) x W.95.5"(242.5cm/2.43 meters). Kappa were modeled after the Capa rain capes worn by Spanish missionaries who first arrived in Japan in 1549, during the Muromachi Period (1336-1573), and were allowed to remain in certain parts of Kyushu in the Momoyama Period (1573-1600) until an all-out ban on