Kimono (Kosode) with Stripes, Windows, and Plum Tree Branches 小袖 淡黄縮緬地縞島取梅枝模様こそで うすきちりめんじしましまどりうめがえもよう

Description

Kosode are kimono with small wrist openings. The stylish sensibilities of the Edo period can be clearly seen in this kosode's striped design. These beautiful stripes form the backdrop to an audacious arrangement of fan and snowflake shapes, while a plum blossom tree unfurls its blooming branches across the garment. Various landscape designs are drawn within the fan and snowflake shapes using a uniquely-Japanese dyeing method called yuzenzome. Stripe patterns are commonly created by alternating the color of the warp when weaving the cloth, but this kimono is quite unusual in the way its entire design, including the stripes, is rendered using yuzenzome. The plum branches, meanwhile, are embroidered with red, light green, and gold threads to give them a lustrous sheen. The sumptuous design, delicate colors and highly-accomplished use of the yuzenzome technique make this a garment to treasure.

A dyeing technique called [yuzen], which allowed for an unprecedented level of detail, was used to depict scenery inside fan and snowflake shapes for this outstanding garment.

Striped patterns originally came in to Japan from abroad. They first became popular among courtesans in the pleasure quarters, and later became a widespread trend during the Edo period (1603–1868). This particular kimono is a rare example, as its stripes have been rendered with a paste-resist dyeing technique known as [yūzen].