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Kimono (uchikake)
Japanese
Edo period
mid-19th century
Object Place: Japan
Medium/Technique
Silk satin embroidered with silk and gold-metallic thread
Dimensions
185.1 x 124.1 cm (72 7/8 x 48 7/8 in.)
Credit Line
William Sturgis Bigelow Collection
Accession Number21.1141
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsAsia, Fashion and Textiles
ClassificationsCostumes
DescriptionLong-sleeved, light blue silk satin outer robe (uchikake) with overall design of lacquered shell game boxes (kaioke) with loosened ornamental cords and scattered decorated shells embroidered in colored silk and couched gold-wrapped thread; reddish-orange silk crepe lining and padded hem.
This outer robe was probably worn by a young woman of the wealthy merchant class; the design motifs represent a popular matching game of the 12th century Heian court which used intricately painted shells; the game boxes (kaioke) and shells (kai) are decorated with scenes and references to the 11th century courtly romance, the "Tale of Genji."
This outer robe was probably worn by a young woman of the wealthy merchant class; the design motifs represent a popular matching game of the 12th century Heian court which used intricately painted shells; the game boxes (kaioke) and shells (kai) are decorated with scenes and references to the 11th century courtly romance, the "Tale of Genji."
ProvenanceWilliam Sturgis Bigelow (b. 1850 - d. 1926), Boston [see note 1]; 1921, gift of William Sturgis Bigelow to the MFA. (Accession Date: May 5, 1921)
NOTES:
[1] Much of Bigelow's collection of Asian art was formed during his residence in Japan between 1882 and 1889, although he also made acquisitions in Europe and the United States. Bigelow deposited many of these objects at the MFA in 1890 before donating them to the Museum's collection at later dates.
NOTES:
[1] Much of Bigelow's collection of Asian art was formed during his residence in Japan between 1882 and 1889, although he also made acquisitions in Europe and the United States. Bigelow deposited many of these objects at the MFA in 1890 before donating them to the Museum's collection at later dates.