Sun Surf Special Edition “Pair of Heron”

Product Name: "PAIR OF HERON"

Vintage: HATA DRY GOODS STORE

Era: Mid-1950s

Material: Bark Cloth

Print: Overprint

Design Pattern: All-Over Pattern

Buttons: Coconut Buttons

This artwork depicts a pair of herons dramatically spreading their wings while clinging to a willow branch sinking in a lake. Among the aloha shirts produced in Hawaii during the mid-1950s, garments featuring large animal motifs are extremely rare outside of traditional Japanese patterns. Moreover, this piece is printed on cotton bark cloth, which is notable given that rayon was the predominant material of the time, making it a collectible item.

S. Hata Shoten, led by Sadonosuke Hata, played a significant role in importing various goods from Japan and the mainland U.S., supporting the lives of Japanese immigrants and greatly expanding its business. Yoichi Hata, who established Y. Hata Company as a related entity, opened the Hata Dry Goods Store in Hilo, Hawaii, where he sold aloha shirts. During that time, S. Hata Shoten also acted as an agent for Ichida, a major Japanese fabric trading company, handling many unique materials including rayon slabs, and the bark cloth used in this piece was one of them.

SUN SURF SPECIAL EDITION

This aloha shirt symbolizes paradise Hawaii, with deep connections to Japanese immigrants. Both tropical and traditional Japanese patterns can be found among the vintage offerings. With the establishment of Hawaii as a tourist destination in the mid-20th century, demand for aloha shirts as souvenirs skyrocketed. Designs and patterns diversified, leading to the creation of many unique pieces. This special item is one of the rare finds encountered during the process of collecting vintage aloha shirts. Honoring the textile designers who created these masterpieces, Sun Surf’s Special Edition meticulously reproduces the vibrant multi-color prints, striking designs, and unique details that vary by manufacturer and era, ensuring all its charm is fully captured.

This product will be delivered in a special edition box.

Please note that the pattern placement may differ from the photos due to fabric cutting positions. Individual dimensions may also vary slightly based on the fabric's characteristics and finishing methods. Additionally, the actual color of the product may differ slightly from what is displayed depending on your device settings and environment.