Kimono Ensemble with Chrysanthemums

Taishō period (1912–26)

Not on view

The 1920s witnessed the rise in Japan of associations of amateur chrysanthemum enthusiasts, and a stand of spectacular chrysanthemums commands the bottom of this kimono, with their slender petals curving dynamically upward against the rich blue ground. On the outer robe, the leaves are embroidered with couched gold metallic threads in circular details that may represent dewdrops and the family crest is resist dyed in white in five places. On the inner robe, the lower section echoes the chrysanthemum pattern of the outer robe both inside and out. The upper section is stitch-resist dyed on plain-weave silk with diagonal bands alternating turquoise and red, each with an incomplete geometric pattern of stylized hemp leaves (asa-no-ha). The vivid colors and the painterly execution of the pattern are characteristic of the Taishō period. A bride wore this kimono ensemble on her wedding day in 1923.

Artwork Details

Object Information

Overview

Provenance

Exhibition History

青紫縮緬地菊模様着物　（襲付）
Title: Kimono Ensemble with Chrysanthemums
Period: Taishō period (1912–26)
Culture: Japan
Medium: Silk, metallic thread
Dimensions: (a): H (shoulder to hem) 62 in. (157.5 cm); W (wrist opening to wrist opening) 49 in. (124.5 cm)
(b): H (shoulder to hem) 62 5/8 in. (159 cm); W (wrist opening to wrist opening) 49 3/4 in. (126.4 cm)
Classification: Costumes
Credit Line: Gift of Atsuko Irie, in honor of Suga Irie, 1998
Object Number: 1998.487.2a, b
Curatorial Department: Asian Art

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