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Summer Robe (Katabira) with Kemari Balls and Willow

late 18th–early 19th century

Not on view

Light garments made of bast fibers were most suitable for summer. This unlined robe was designed with long sleeves for a young, unmarried commoner (chōnin) woman, probably in Kyoto. The cascading branches of a weeping willow provide the structure of the composition, to which scattered chrysanthemums and clematis flowers were added, along with kemari balls that appear to be suspended in the air. Accents of couched gold thread suggest sunshine. Courtiers played kemari, a game somewhat like soccer, beginning in the Heian period (794–1185); the aim is to keep the soft leather ball aloft only by kicking.

Summer Robe (Katabira) with Kemari Balls and Willow, Plain-weave ramie with paste-resist dyeing, stencil-dyed dots (suri-bitta), hand-painted details, and couched gold thread, Japan — Due to rights restrictions, this image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

Summer Robe (Katabira) with Kemari Balls and Willow, Plain-weave ramie with paste-resist dyeing, stencil-dyed dots (suri-bitta), hand-painted details, and couched gold thread, Japan

Summer Robe (Katabira) with Kemari Balls and Willow, Plain-weave ramie with paste-resist dyeing, stencil-dyed dots (suri-bitta), hand-painted details, and couched gold thread, Japan

This artwork is meant to be viewed from right to left. Scroll left to view more.

Due to rights restrictions, this image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

Due to rights restrictions, this image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

白麻地蹴鞠柳菊鉄線模様帷子

Title: Summer Robe (Katabira) with Kemari Balls and Willow

Period: Edo period (1615–1868)

Date: late 18th–early 19th century

Culture: Japan

Medium: Plain-weave ramie with paste-resist dyeing, stencil-dyed dots (suri-bitta), hand-painted details, and couched gold thread

Dimensions: 64 1/2 × 50 in. (163.8 × 127 cm)

Classification: Costumes

Credit Line: Lent by John C. Weber Collection

Accession Number: WT.Weber.60

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