Summer Robe (Katabira) with Chrysanthemums and River

late 18th century

Not on view

Supremely elegant, subdued, unlined summer garments such as this robe were made in Kyoto. The design, featuring chrysanthemums and a river, refers to both autumn and the legend of the Chrysanthemum Boy (Kikujidō), who achieved immortality by drinking the dew drops on chrysanthemum flowers. The highlight of this robe is its beautifully executed, freehand paste-resist dyeing (yūzen), which is drawn in sensitive, very fine lines on the thin fabric. The undyed ramie (asa) ground complements the deceptively simple design, in which each group of flowers is depicted differently. The use of gold adds a touch of unexpected opulence and also creates the effect of glistening summer sunlight, appropriate to a katabira made for a high-ranking samurai lady.

Artwork Details

Overview

Provenance

Exhibition History

薄紅地流水菊花模様帷子小袖
Title: Summer Robe (Katabira) with Chrysanthemums and River
Period: Edo period (1615–1868)
Date: late 18th century
Culture: Japan
Medium: Ramie with resist‑dyeing, silk-thread embroidery, and gold-thread couching
Dimensions: 66 1/2 × 49 3/4 in. (168.9 × 126.4 cm)
Classification: Costumes-Embroidered
Credit Line: Mary Livingston Griggs and Mary Griggs Burke Foundation Fund, 2018
Object Number: 2018.642
Curatorial Department: Asian Art

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