100% cotton yukata fabric from Japan. 

Traditional Kimono Width - 13" - 14" wide.  

Wikipedia:  A matoi was a flag used in the Edo period of Japan by firemen (火消し, hikeshi) to notify people of a fire near or within a building. It was taken up on a roof near the burning building by the matoi holder (纏持, matoimochi) and waved to draw the attention of other groups of fire fighters, who would then hurry to the site of the fire to assist. Each different group of firemen in the Edo period had their own matoi to identify themselves.

Members of the Mutsu-kai group with matoi in Ikegami, Tokyo, Japan.  In modern Japan, the matoi is only used for ceremonial purposes.

Most of our yukata fabrics are old stock but in good to new condition.  They were produced during the Showa period (which literally means "period of enlightened peace") from December 25, 1926 to January 7, 1989.

The cotton will soften and shrink a bit with cool water washing, and will age gracefully.  The fabric has a slightly crisp but soft touch and range from a dark navy to indigo, which is very dark sometimes almost to the black side.  Occasionally, one may have been produced with a black background.  Newer yukata may come in navy, blue, green, gray and other colors, often with brightly colored flowers, butterflies and dragonflies.

DARK INDIGO FABRICS DO BLEED.  We recommend washing separately, in cold water, before adding the fabric to your project. These yukatas are beautifully stenciled and dyed in what is a becoming a fast and disappearing Japanese art form with the design appearing on both sides of the fabric. 

We hope you enjoy owning a beautiful piece of Japanese culture and history.

Care Instructions:

Hand Wash - Cool Water
No Bleach
Iron - Low - Warm
Do Not Dryclean

$ 23.95 yard