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Over Robe (Uchikake) with Mount Hōrai

late 18th century–first half 19th century
Not on view
Symbols from Chinese lore—present in Japanese art since ancient times—converge in the decoration of this outer robe. The crane and tortoise are emblematic of longevity, an auspicious theme for a robe worn on formal occasions, primarily weddings. When these two representatives of enduring partnership are shown on a rocky island amid waves, as here, they signify Mount Penglai (or Hōrai, in Japanese), a realm of the immortals. The bamboo plants, evergreen pine boughs, and plum flowers—beloved as the first to bloom each year—constitute the “Three Friends of Winter,” another emblem of endurance that augments the favorable symbolism. Most likely, this white robe was a part of a set of three that would have included red and black versions as well.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • 白綸子地松竹梅鶴亀模様打掛
  • Title: Over Robe (Uchikake) with Mount Hōrai
  • Period: Edo period (1615–1868)
  • Date: late 18th century–first half 19th century
  • Culture: Japan
  • Medium: Figured satin-weave silk (rinzu) with paste-resist dyeing, stencil-dyed dots, and silk- and gold-thread embroidery
  • Dimensions: Overall: 73 x 48 in. (185.4 x 121.9 cm)
  • Classification: Costumes
  • Credit Line: Gift of Dr. and Mrs. Jonas M. Goldstone, 1970
  • Object Number: 1970.296.1
  • Curatorial Department: Asian Art

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Armorer Helmet bowl signed Saotome Ietada
Armorer Breastplate inscribed inside, Myōchin Munesuke
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Over Robe (Uchikake) with Long-Tailed Birds in a Landscape , Silk and metallic-thread embroidery and stencil paste-resist dyeing on silk satin damask, Japan

Over Robe (Uchikake) with Long-Tailed Birds in a Landscape

Japan
second half of the 18th century
Shō, Bamboo wood, metal, Japanese
Shō
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19th century
Outer Robe (Uchikake) with Mount Penglai, Crepe silk with paste-resist dyeing, stencil-dyed dots, silk- and gold-thread embroidery, Japan
Outer Robe (Uchikake) with Mount Penglai
Japan
mid-19th century
Koto (箏), Various woods, ivory, metal, nylon, tortoiseshell, abalone, lacquerwork, Japanese
Koto (箏)
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20th century

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