Kimono with Blossoming Plum Tree

second half of the 19th century

Not on view

Paste-resist dyeing, along with skillful use of a shading technique, finely renders the gradual progression from white to dark gray on this garment. Early Meiji period kimonos often have gray or black grounds and decoration concentrated along the hemline. Here, the plum tree, painted in ink and pigments and embroidered with silk and occasional glints of gold, seems to glow in soft moonlight, while the rest of the robe is in shadow. The design scheme is based on the kosode style that became popular among chōnin women at the end of the Edo period (1615–1868). Since the left panel overlaps the right, much of the plum-tree pattern would ordinarily be obscured, coming to light only as the wearer walked. Another plum tree is hidden on the lining inside the underflap.

Artwork Details

Overview

Provenance

Exhibition History

References

鼠平絹地梅樹模様着物
Title: Kimono with Blossoming Plum Tree
Period: Meiji period (1868–1912)
Date: second half of the 19th century
Culture: Japan
Medium: Plain-weave silk with resist dyeing, ink, pigments, silk and metallic-thread embroidery
Dimensions: Overall: 62 × 49 in. (157.5 × 124.5 cm)
Classification: Costumes
Credit Line: Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Victor R. King, 1976
Object Number: 1976.281
Curatorial Department: Asian Art

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