Boy’s swordsmanship uniform (kendō-gi), early 20th century
Unknown Japaneseexpand_more
Cloth: cotton; sashiko (decorative reinforcement stitching), indigo dyeexpand_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 2019.20.71
Not on Viewexpand_more
This garment is a uniform worn by boys when practicing kendo, a traditional Japanese martial art that descends from swordsmanship. Ease of movement is essential; hence its narrow sleeves and slits along the seams on the lower half. To reinforce the fabric and protect the wearer from the blows of opponents during practice, the upper half is embroidered with an interconnected pattern called asanoha, a stylized hemp leaf. On the back of the garment are three unique renditions of cherry blossoms placed within a lozenge shape, called matsukawabishi.
Details
- Title
- Boy’s swordsmanship uniform (kendō-gi)
- Role
- Maker
- Accession Number
- 2019.20.71
- Catalogue Raisonne
- Murray et al. 2018, pl. 114
- 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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