Vintage Indigo Yukata Cotton — Stepped Maze Motif

A bold, geometric yukata cotton with deep indigo character and mid-century charm.

This vintage yukata cotton features a striking stepped maze pattern—a rhythmic grid of jagged, interlocking shapes that feels both graphic and traditional. Printed in a dark, saturated indigo on crisp white cotton, the cloth reflects the sensibilities of mid-20th-century Japan, when bold geometric motifs were widely embraced for summer yukata.

The hand and texture suggest production between the 1960s–1980s, a period when mills were transitioning from fully hand-dyed processes to hybrid techniques that retained traditional aesthetics. The crisp edges of the motif, along with the slight textural bite of the dye on the surface, point toward chūsen dyeing or a screen-based stencil method influenced by chūsen (rather than fully mechanized Nassen printing). The dye sits beautifully within the weave—soft, breathable, and authentic to yukata’s heritage.

A handwritten label fragment reads 味のゆかた (Aji no Yukata), meaning “yukata with character,” and the presence of 本染 (hon-zome – “genuine dyeing”) strongly suggests a traditional or semi-traditional dye method rather than mass-printed yardage. These clues, along with the pattern’s style and the bolt’s aged paper tag, place the fabric squarely in the Showa retro era.

This bolt is unused vintage stock in excellent condition—ideal for garments, quilting, or collectors who appreciate historical Japanese textiles.

Details

• Material: 100% cotton yukata cloth
• Sold by the 1/2 yd e.g to order 1/2 yd, put 1 unit in your cart or for 1-1/2 yds, put 3 units in your cart. Multiple units will be sent as one continuous piece. 
• Width: Approximately 14–15" (35–38 cm), standard yukata width
• Origin: Japan

Care

Because this is true indigo-style dyed cotton, wash gently:

• Wash separately in cold water

• Minimal agitation

• Hang or lay flat to dry

• Expect slight softening and subtle bleed over first few washes

The fabric will develop the beautiful, lived-in patina that vintage indigo is known for.