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Long-sleeved Kimono in Silk Crepe

Place of ManufactureNorth America

MediumMaterial: silk crepe, golden ochre; silk, gold & silver threads

DimensionsOverall: 164.1 x 122 cm

ClassificationsDECORATIVE ART

Credit LineGift of Yoshiko Karasawa

Object numberSC1213

DescriptionSilk crepe kimono in overall golden ochre is paste-resist dyed, but tie-dyed in the red/white and the indigo-blue/white areas. The opulent and dazzling floral roundels are embroidered after the dyeing process. There are altogether seventeen roundels, of which two are not on the outer shell of the kimono. These two roundels are on the lining of the kimono, one on the lining of the left front skirt and the other on the lining of the right front skirt. The flowers and plants designed into floral roundels are paulownia, bushclovers, chrysanthemums, iris, wisteria, nandina, pine and bellflowers. Soft silk threads are used to fill out the shapes of flowers and leaves by the classical stitches. To highlight the outlines of some flowers and leaves, heavy gold or silver thread is laid and couched down. Double stitches with heavy tightly-twisted silk threads are also used to highlight the outlines. The lining of the kimono is the same silk crepe as the outer shell except the upper bodice and under-arms of the sleeves where persimmon-coloured lining silk is used. The heavily-padded hem of the skirt shows not only that the same silk crepe is used for the lining of the major parts but also that the kimono motifs are continued from the outer shell to the lining. There is a family crest at the five prescribed locations on the kimono (two at the front shoulders, one at the back centre, and two on the back sleeves near the shoulders). The Family crest on this kimono is called "Kuyo-mon" which is designed of nine circles. It is a symbol of good omen. It is neither Ichimaru's family crest not her Nakamura Kabuki Perfoming Art school crest. The circles of the crest, however, seem to harmonize with the circular motifs of the kimono

Colour: golden ochre; red;white;blue;green;gold;silver

Status

Not on view