Robe (Kosode) with Fishing Net and Characters

probably ca. 1660s
Not on view
An asymmetrical pattern of drying fishing nets and a repeating Japanese character for “warbler” (uguisu 鶯) in highly cursive script adorns the back of this kosode (garment with small sleeve openings). Such asymmetrical designs became fashionable during the Kanbun period (1661–73), when the back of the kosode was the focal point of the composition. Illustrated pattern books (hinagata-bon) of the period show many similar designs, sweeping in a dramatic curve from the lower right hem to the upper left shoulder. In this example, the looming fishing nets seem to playfully echo the curve of the giant waves.

The design is executed in blue, orange, and purple using a different type of stitched or tied resist dyeing (shibori) for each color. The details are embroidered in silk and gold thread. The foundation is an off-white silk damask woven with a repeating pattern of paulownia flowers on a geometric background of diagonal rectangles.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • 白綸子地網文字散模様小袖
  • Title: Robe (Kosode) with Fishing Net and Characters
  • Period: Edo period (1615–1868)
  • Date: probably ca. 1660s
  • Culture: Japan
  • Medium: Silk and metallic thread embroidery, tied resist dyeing on satin damask
  • Dimensions: 60 3/8 x 50 1/4 in. (153.4 x 127.6 cm)
  • Classification: Costumes
  • Credit Line: Purchase, Harris Brisbane Dick Fund, Mary and James G. Wallach Foundation and Parnassus Foundation/Jane and Raphael Bernstein Gifts, and funds from various donors, 2011
  • Object Number: 2011.155
  • Curatorial Department: Asian Art

More Artwork

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.