Advertisement

ref. 215601 — Japan. Large striking colour poster 120 x 49.6cm. This poster has been folded causing three horizontal creases and another vertical running the full length of the long sheet. Repairs to folds including some colouring along paper abrasion on folds on image itself. Still a lovely poster. This beautiful colour advertisement poster promotes the moth-proof serge kimono fabric from Budōseru Grape Brand Serge. Serge kimonos became highly fashionable in Japan around the turn of the 20th century. The merino wool was imported from Australia being regarded as the most suitable fibre for single-layer kimonos. However woollen fabrics were susceptible to insect damage. To combat this issue the Grape Brand Serge manufacturer developed a moth-proofing treatment utilising chemicals from the German company Bayer. According to the poster Bayer's compounds were used and their treated serge was marked on the selvedge as "moth-proof Budo serge". This processing took place at their factory in Aichi Prefecture. In the foreground a classical Japanese beauty graces a hillside elegantly attired in a purple kimono with a parasol in her hand. Her black obi bears an unusual rainbow design. The artist's signature appears in the lower left corner. . unknown