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Haori

Japanese

Artwork Details

Haori
20th century
Japanese
silk, brocade
35 in. (88.9 cm)
Gift of Howard and Patricia Yamaguchi
2013/2.495

Description

On the back of this haori is an embroidered kusudama, a medicine or flower ball originally used for incense and potpourri. In contemporary times kusudama are often made from origami paper, folded into multiple pyramids and connected together to form stylized flowers. A decorative tassel can be attached to the bottom of the ball; here one wraps around to the front of the haori. In the Edo period (1615–1868) the haori was a type of formal attire for men, but in the nineteenth century it was adopted
by female entertainers in the capital, Edo (present-day Tokyo), as a cloak for outdoor wear in mild weather. Later the haori became the standard outerwear for women who dress in kimono outside the home.
Spring/Summer Gallery Rotation 2015

Subject Matter:

On the back of this haori is an embroidered kusudama, a medicine or flower ball originally used for incense and potpourri. In contemporary times kusudama are often made from origami paper, folded into multiple pyramids and connected together to form stylized flowers. A decorative tassel can be attached to the bottom of the ball; here one wraps around to the front of the haori.

Physical Description:

White silk with zigzag pattern lining, black with silver threading throughout, braided thread in gold, purple, red and green, all over the fabric in a random continuous pattern.

Usage Rights:

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