Antique Japanese fabric sample book

Antique Japanese textile sample book, or shima-chō (縞帳), dating to circa 1890 during Japan's Meiji period. The 21-leaf album contains over 300 woven fabric swatches pasted onto traditional Japanese washi paper.

The handwritten title on the cover reads 志ま見本 (shima mihon), meaning "stripe samples" or "stripe sample book." Shima-chō were working reference books used by Japanese weavers to collect and compare fabric patterns, color combinations, and weaving techniques.

The collection includes swatches ranging from fine indigo stripes and small geometric checks to multicolored plaids, and much more. Some of the fabrics also feature stitching.

Many of the pages were originally used for Japanese land records. Handwritten entries, dates, and red seals are still visible alongside the fabric samples, revealing the album's earlier use.

Measurements: Approximately 6 × 7.5 inches (15.2 × 19.1 cm).

Weight: 3.3 oz (94 g).

Contents: 21 leaves containing over 300 woven fabric swatches.

Origin: Japan.

Period: Meiji period, circa 1890.

Condition: Antique condition as seen in photos.