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Surcoat (Jinbaori)

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Surcoat (Jinbaori)

Date:
Probably 18th century
Culture:
Japan
Medium:
Body and crest: Europe, possibly Netherlands, 17th–18th century; wool Lapels: probably China, 17th–18th century; lampas, silk, and gilt-paper strips Shoulder pieces: Europe, 1760s; silk brocaded with silk- and metal-wrapped thread
Dimensions:
42.5 x 31 in (108 x 78.7 cm)
Classification:
Textiles
Credit Line:
John C. Weber Collection

This artwork is part of Interwoven Globe: The Worldwide Textile Trade,
1500–1800

This artwork is currently on display in Gallery 899

  • Description

    Woolen cloth was Europe’s chief textile export and was sold, traded, and gifted by Europeans wherever they sailed. Jinbaori were worn over a samurai’s armor, the wool providing warmth and protection from the elements. Samurai wore such garments with pride particularly because of the wool’s prominent status as an exotic import, since sheep were not raised in Japan. Red wool cloth was particularly desirable for trade. Europeans achieved the rich scarlet hue by combining a tin mordant with cochineal dye from Mexico.

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