Dark blue-ground festival kimono decorated with sea creatures, first half 20th century
Unknown Japaneseexpand_more
Cloth: cotton; tsutsugaki (freehand resist)expand_more
The John R. Van Derlip Fund and the Mary Griggs Burke Endowment Fund established by the Mary Livingston Griggs and Mary Griggs Burke Foundation; purchase from the Thomas Murray Collectionexpand_more 2019.20.62
Not on Viewexpand_more
Japan comprises over 6,000 islands, and many coastal communities depend on the fishing industry. Sea creatures and water motifs were particularly popular subjects for festive garments worn by men whose livelihoods were tied to the bounty of the sea. Such kimonos were worn during traditional festivals (matsuri) organized to solicit favor from the gods to ensure the well-being of local communities.
This exuberant indigo-dyed robe appeals for a fruitful catch. It features over 20 different fish, many types of clams and oysters, a lobster, and an octopus. The motifs were all hand-drawn using many dyes (pinks, gray, brown, and indigo) and a technique called tsutsugaki, which involves the application of rice paste through a narrow tube to protect certain areas from immersion dye, thus rendering the various hues.
Details
- Title
- Dark blue-ground festival kimono decorated with sea creatures
- Role
- Maker
- Accession Number
- 2019.20.62
- Catalogue Raisonne
- Murray et al. 2018, pl. 75
- Curator Approved
This record has been reviewed by our curatorial staff but may be incomplete. These records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.
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