A JAPANESE AINU NAVY BLUE COTTON ROBE, FIRST PART 20TH CENTURY Rare Ainu navy blue cotton robe featuring wide red and white appliquéd bands along the edges with embroidered geometric shapes. Size: Length 130.5 cm, Width incl. arms 136.5 cm. In a very good condition with minor traces of age and wear. Acquired from an Ainu education center in the town of Shiraoi, Hokkaidô. The last photo shows the lovely visit to this center. Period: Japan - First part 20th century. In the winter season Ainu women wove such robes on a loom. The fibers were from elm bark that had been softened after being peeled off the trees in spring or autumn. The applique of blue cloth in a geometric design has a practical function, protecting the areas around the neck, sleeves, and edges of the robe that are easily worn out. The design was also intended to prevent evil spirits from entering the body of the wearer of the robe. (From The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York)