Men's Under-Kimono (Nagajuban)

1926–89

Men's Under-Kimono (Nagajuban), 1926–89. Japan, Shōwa period (1926-89). Silk; tie-dye and stich pattern; The Cleveland Museum of Art, Gift of John C. Weber 2020.426 A nagajuban is worn beneath the kimono as an undergarment to help keep the kimono clean. The sleeves are fitted into the sleeves of the outer kimono, and the hem is kept shorter to conceal it. People might wear it on its own at home with family or friends. This nagajuban has a tie-dyed design of a cord entryway curtain, or nawanoren, an amusing visual pun. The Japanese word juban comes from the Portuguese gibão for a close-fitting collarless jacket.