Returned to lender The Met accepts temporary loans of art both for short-term exhibitions and for long-term display in its galleries.
Summer Robe with Plovers above Sandbars and Flowering Plants
Not on view
Hidden within the collar of this robe is an inscription labeling it as “very precious, high quality” cloth, attesting to the esteem accorded it at the time of production. The landscape scene of sandbars, flowering plants, and plovers concentrated on the lower half of this garment is a composition typical of the first half of the eighteenth century. Pattern books of this period are filled with designs inspired by Ogata Kōrin (1658–1716), giving rise to the term “Kōrin-motif” (Kōrin moyō). For instance, on this summer robe the chrysanthemum blossoms are expressed as circular outlines with large dots for centers, and stylized water patterns resemble a fanciful eddy. While the seasons associated with motifs on this garment range from summer through early winter, the bast-fiber material from which it is made renders it suitable for summer wear.
This artwork is meant to be viewed from right to left. Scroll left to view more.