This is a wonderful noren from early Meiji period(1868-1912) or earlier.
Textile is fantastic cotton - it was hand woven with hand spun cotton elaborately, and textile has very soft and comfortable in spite of its thickness ( threads are thick and textile is also comparatively thick ).
It was dyed with natural ai, and has beautiful deep
ai color.
Three shops names are written. This piece seemed to be too long for a store, so it seemed to be the front of the three stores.
It has some flaws as photos show, but as a whole it is in very good condition.
*Approx background color - natural
ai color
Softness ( Exceptionally Soft, □ Soft, Medium, Comparatively Stiff, Stiff )
photo:kakoi