Meisen silk is one of the Japanese kimono silks created by weaving pre-dyed threads using the tie-and-resist ikat technique, produced in the northern region of Tokyo. Initially, second-grade quality silks were used, starting in the late Edo period (early to mid 19th C). As weaving and dyeing techniques advanced during the Meiji and Taisho periods (late 19th C to early 20th C), Meisen became commercialised, leading to the production of finer materials with unique designs influenced by Modernism, Art Deco, and European paintings. The patterns range from simple stripes to bold, colorful florals and unique geometrics. They were popular among young women as casual everyday kimono in the early to mid 20th century. Even today, they continue to attract kimono lovers and collectors in Japan and overseas.
Meisen silk is densely woven fine silk and generally has a papery texture.