Kimono
Japanese
Description
Kimono
Japan
Shōwa era (1926–89)
Mid- to late 20th century
White silk with purple tie-dye design and embroidery
Gift of Mrs. Kazuko Miyake, 2016/2.69
This splendid kimono is distinguished not only by its elaborate
design, but also by the range of techniques involved in its production.
The entire design is executed on chirimen silk, characterized by its
wrinkled, crepe-y appearance, and created using a special dying
technique. The white geometric patterns and flowers were produced
using the labor-intensive shibori dyeing technique, in which hundreds
of hours are spent tying miniscule sections of the fabric into bunches,
before immersing it in dye. Afterward, the binding threads are
removed, revealing the undyed parts of the fabric that create a subtle,
puckered texture. The vibrantly colored phoenix wrapping around
the bottom right is embroidered with silk threads, while the red,
green, and purple blossoms were created by weaving lacquer-coated
threads into the fabric. The high level of skill required to produce
this one-of-a-kind garment suggests it would have been reserved for
special occasions.
(Japanese Gallery Rotation, Summer 2025)
Subject Matter:
Chirimen refers to the unique wrinkled texture, also called crepe texture, created by a specific weaving technique. This texture is often used with traditional Japanese fabrics, often silk, wool, or synthetic fiber.
Shibori is labor intensive dying technique in which hundreds of hours are spent tying miniscule sections of the fabric before immersing it in dye, leaving the tied parts white. Shibori textiles are very expensive due to the time and skills required to produce them.
The inner lining includes eight different parts (hakkake) on the bottom and sleeve edges that gives the inner lining a more colorful appearance.
Physical Description:
lavender and white chirimen kimono with shibori dyed and interwoven violet and maroon kirimon (paulownia) with one embroidered phoenix motifs located at the bottom left and with a red and violet inner lining.
Usage Rights:
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