Semi-formal Silk Kimono with Cherry Blossom Motif
Place of ManufactureNorth America
MediumMaterial: silk damask, pale beige; silk threads
DimensionsOverall: 131 x 155.7 cm
ClassificationsDECORATIVE ART
Credit LineGift of Yoshiko Karasawa
Object numberSC1212
DescriptionThe kimono is made of damask-like figured silk, paste-resist dyed (Yuzen), and with some embroidery. The pale beige background and the stylized cherry blossoms are paste-resist dyed. Some flowers are purple, some lilac, some mauve, and some white. Some of them are decorated with embroidery or gold stencilling after the dyeing process. The lilac colour matches with the colour of the lining of the cuffs and the skirt-hem. The body and under-arm areas are lined with white light silk. Two traditional embroidering techniques are used. Some flowers are completely filled out with stitches of soft silk thread which add volume to the petals. Another technique is to lay and couch down heavy gold thread on the outlines of the flowers to be highlighted. Although the flowers are scattered on the shoulders, sleeves and body of the kimono, they are most densely clustered in the left front skirt area which is to overlap over the right front skirt when the kimono is worn. The vertical figures in the weave of the outer silk form parallel lines along the length of the kimono and look like drooping vines of weeping cherries. They shimmer under the light. This subtle beauty seems to contrast the naivete in the motif of cherry blossoms.Colour: pale beige; purple; mauve; lilac; white; gold
Status
Not on view
1950's - 1970's
1875 - 1900
1860 - 1880
1880 - 1900
1950's - 1970's