Kimono

Accession Number
2016/2.66

Title
Kimono

Artist(s)
Minagawa Gekka

Object Creation Date
mid- to late-20th century

Medium & Support
silk

Dimensions
59 in x 50 in (149.86 cm x 127 cm)

Credit Line
Gift of Mrs. Kazuko Miyake

Subject matter

The floral design consists of a mix of fall and winter flowers and trees: nandin on the left sleeve, plum, chrysanthemums, thistle, amaranths, camellias and narcissus on the front and back, and  makino (Chloranthus glaber with red berries) and more camellias on the right sleeve.

Chirimen refers to the unique wrinkled texture, also called crepe texture, created by a specific weaving technique. This texture is often used with traditional Japanese fabrics, often silk, wool, or synthetic fiber.

Houmongi is a semi-formal kimono that can be worn by both married and single women for social events. It is called second-class formal wear.

Houmongi is created by a patterning method called “Eba:” the pattern is dyed in such a way that it creates an unbroken design across the seams when the kimono is sewn together.

Rouketsu is hand-painted wax-resist dyeing technique, also known as batique.

In this exuberant kimono, Minagawa Gekka took great advantage of the wide, flat surface of the kimono, effectively treating it as a canvas on which to depict flowers blooming in profusion. Due to the sheer profusion of auspicious winter flowers, it is possible that this kimono was commissioned for a New Year’s celebration.



Physical Description

Lavender and white chirimen Houmongi kimono with rouketsu dyed scale patterns and tegaki (hand-painted) white, red, pale blue and green floral patterning with metallic contour embroidery with a purple and white gradated lining? The kimono has elongated sleeves and one kamon (family crest) on the back neck.



Primary Object Classification
Costume and Costume Accessories

Primary Object Type
kimono

Collection Area
Asian

Rights
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Keywords
floral patterns
kimonos
lavender (color)
plums (fruits)
silk (silkworm material)

& Author Notes

All Rights Reserved