Vintage Mino straw cape from mid-century Japan. A traditional raincoat made out of straw. Rice straw & other bast fibers have natural water-resistant properties & help with repellent rain droplets. When the rain droplets hit the surface of the straw cape, the water tends to flow along the length of the fibers above and helps keep the underneath garment staying dry. Peasants would often wear this while working in the rain out in the field. It is light in weight and could also be used as camouflage in certain terrain. These particular straw capes were woven beautifully on the back side. Some designs would have the addition weaven of indigo-dyed fabric straps. The bast fibers used here seem to be perhaps some type of rice straw. It was handmade and woven by the Northern people in Aizu. It would then be often used when they go into the mountains for foraging. A wonderful handmade piece of old folk garment symbolizing the country life in old rural Japan. #wabisabi #artpiece #vintagefashion #visvim #boro #Kapital #japaneseclothes #boroboro #downtownsquamish #vintage #antiques #museumgallery #japanesevintage #vintageindigo #patchwork #japaneseboro #japanesetextile #sashiko #costume #naturedyed #streetwear #cosplay #folkart #fashionweek #rustic #porterclassic #rrl #shogun #Mukashinoboro (at Squamish, British Columbia) https://www.instagram.com/p/Cod5jQ_rh09/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=
