染分紗綾地蜘蛛海松貝模様小袖|Robe (Kosode) with Shells and Sea Grasses

Unknown

early 17th century · Embroidery and gold leaf on plain-weave silk patterned with warp floats · Asian Art

This sumptuous robe is among the earliest extant kosode (garment with small sleeve openings). The natural scenery of Japan’s coast, with its beaches strewn with shells and sea grass, inspired the delicate embroidered design. The foundation fabric, woven in an intricate key-fret pattern with floral motifs, was likely imported from China in its white, undecorated state. It was then resist dyed to achieve the effect of irregular sandbanks, and the marine motifs were embroidered on top. The alternating bands of light blue were further embellished with gold-leaf accents.

Artist

Unknown

Date

early 17th century

Medium

Embroidery and gold leaf on plain-weave silk patterned with warp floats

Culture

Japan

Department

Asian Art

Credit line

Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Paul T. Nomura, in memory of Mr. and Mrs. S. Morris Nomura, 1992