Outer Robe (Uchikake) with Maple Tree and River
The colorful leaves of a maple tree with a river beneath its branches are an allusion to the Tatsuta River in Nara prefecture, famous in classical literature as a place for viewing autumn foliage, and familiar to pilgrims traveling to the Tatsuta Shrine. Chrysanthemums, besides being the representative seasonal flower, might also refer to the legend of the Chrysanthemum Boy (Kikujidō), who achieved immortality by drinking dewdrops from the flowers.
This robe was prepared for a young upper-class woman. The satin damask fabric features a complex woven design of bridges, pines, and mist, while the white-spotted pattern of the water in the lower part of the textile was created by means of a technique called kanoko shibori, literally “fawn-spot tie dyeing.” The maple leaves and chrysanthemums were embroidered with silk and metallic thread.
This robe was prepared for a young upper-class woman. The satin damask fabric features a complex woven design of bridges, pines, and mist, while the white-spotted pattern of the water in the lower part of the textile was created by means of a technique called kanoko shibori, literally “fawn-spot tie dyeing.” The maple leaves and chrysanthemums were embroidered with silk and metallic thread.
Artwork Details
- 紫綸子地龍田川模様打掛
- Title: Outer Robe (Uchikake) with Maple Tree and River
- Period: Shōwa period (1926–1989)
- Date: first half of the 20th century
- Culture: Japan
- Medium: Resist-dyed silk satin damask embroidered with silk and metallic thread
- Dimensions: 65 1/4 x 49 3/4 in. (165.7 x 126.4 cm)
- Classification: Costumes
- Credit Line: Anonymous Gift, in honor of Mr. and Mrs. Herbert H. Cory, 1962
- Object Number: 62.180
- Curatorial Department: Asian Art
More Artwork
A slider containing 5 items.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Japan
early 20th century
Returned to lender
Japan
ca. 1925–50
Japan
ca. 1920s–30s
Japan
Moriguchi Kunihiko
1992
Research Resources
The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.
To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.
Feedback
We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.