Antique Ainu robe, Hokkaido Area, Japan. Created by the indigenous people of northern Japan. Made of indigo dyed cotton and embroidered with traditional Ainu designs. The detailed patterns of the Ainu were past down through generations of women and were believed to protect the wearer from evil spirits. The Ainu began trading for items such as cotton with the Yamato Japanese of southern Japan during the Edo Period.

Age: Taisho Period (early 20th century)

Dimensions: 45" high x 50" wide