The Mikado
- Object:
Costume design
- Place of origin:
London (made)
- Date:
1885 (made)
- Artist/Maker:
Wilhelm, C. RI, born 1858 - died 1925 (Artist)
- Materials and Techniques:
Paper, pencil and paint.
- Credit Line:
Given by Dame Bridget D'Oyly Carte.
- Museum number:
S.84-1991
- Gallery location:
British Galleries, Room 125, Edwin and Susan Davies Gallery
Physical description
Costume design by Wilhelm using pencil, watercolour and gouache on paper. Inspired by traditional Japanese kimono and signed and dated by the artist. The costume consists of a short red tunic, a narrow black and white checked obi sash, a navy striped short jacket, navy hose and geta sandals. Mounted with 3 other costume designs for the same production: S.92-1991; S.100-1991 and S.99-1991. This design (S.84-1991) is positioned at the top left of the mount.
Place of Origin
London (made)
Date
1885 (made)
Artist/maker
Wilhelm, C. RI, born 1858 - died 1925 (Artist)
Materials and Techniques
Paper, pencil and paint.
Marks and inscriptions
Wilhelm / 85.
Dimensions
Height: 30 cm approximate, Width: 20 cm approximate
Descriptive line
Costume design by Wilhelm for the role of Nanki-Poo in Gilbert & Sullivan's comic opera The Mikado at the Savoy Theatre, 1885.
Labels and date
The Japanese craze spread to the theatre and its most famous production was Gilbert and Sullivan's The Mikado, the success of which did much to popularise the image of Japan. The costumes were authentically researched and many were made from Japanese fabric supplied by Liberty's. Although Gilbert used a Japanese setting, he deliberately used this to poke fun at British life and institutions. [2006]
Categories
Entertainment & Leisure
Collection
Theatre and Performance Collection
