Art Institute of Chicago

Kesa

Japan

Date

Second half of the 18th century, Late Edo period (1789–1868)

Medium

Silk; plain weave, embroidered with silk and gilt-paper-strip-wrapped silk

Culture

Japan

Department

Textiles

Institution

Art Institute of Chicago

This garment is exceptional in two ways. It is unusually well-presrved, with its ivory ring and all straps and cords in place, thus allowing its presentation on a form, over a robe, in a way that correctly simulates the way it was worn. Also, it was made from an uwagi , a formal over-robe worn only by woman of the highest social standing during the Edo period. Its decoration of rows of lozenges based on floral forms is entirely embroidered in silk and gilt-paper-wrapped thread.

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