blue robe with navy blue and white pattern; white and blue flowers alongside flowing water

Dark blue-ground Ryūkyūan robe (ryūso) with pattern of irises in a flowing stream, 19th century

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This outer robe for a Ryūkyūan woman was decorated using the ēgata paste-resist technique, which is similar to bingata except that only indigo dye is used, thus making it available to commoners. The limitation of a single color may have made it more difficult to make, forcing the dye artist to rely on shading for variation and distinction between the designs. Given the elaborate stencil work of this robe, it could have belonged to a woman of the warrior class. The stencil work features irises, partly submerged baskets, flowing water, and weeping cherry blossoms, creating the impression of a picturesque, meandering river.

Details
Title
Dark blue-ground Ryūkyūan robe (ryūso) with pattern of irises in a flowing stream
Role
Maker
Accession Number
2019.20.142
Provenance
Okamura Kichiemon, Jack Lenor Larsen
Catalogue Raisonne
Murray et al. 2018, pl. 155
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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blue robe with navy blue and white pattern; white and blue flowers alongside flowing water