Over Robe (Uchikake) with Shell-Matching Game Boxes
Returned to lender
This work of art was on loan to the museum and has since been returned to its lender.This long-sleeved, light blue uchikake was probably worn by a young woman of the wealthy merchant class. The design of lacquered shell-matching game boxes (kai-oke) and shells, both decorated with scenes from and references to the Tale of Genji, is embroidered in colored silk and couched gold-wrapped thread. As only the two properly matching halves of a shell can be paired in the popular shell-matching game, it symbolizes a married couple and often appears on wedding garments. As it is the most vulnerable part of the garment, the hem is very rarely decorated, but on this luxurious uchikake, there is fine embroidery of shell patterns.
Artwork Details
- 浅葱繻子地貝桶模様打掛
- Title: Over Robe (Uchikake) with Shell-Matching Game Boxes
- Period: Edo (1615–1868)–early Meiji (1868–1912) period
- Date: mid- 19th century
- Culture: Japan
- Medium: Satin embroidered with silk and gold thread, couched gold thread
- Dimensions: 72 7/8 × 48 7/8 in. (185.1 × 124.1 cm)
- Classification: Costumes
- Credit Line: Lent by Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. William Sturgis Bigelow Collection
- Curatorial Department: Asian Art