Robe
late 19th century-early 20th century (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
This robe was made and worn in the Ryûkyû Islands, the archipelago to the south of mainland Japan. The fabric is woven from the fibres of the thread banana plant. This cloth, known as ‘bashôfu’, was worn by all sections of Ryûkyûan society, although the simple, striped pattern of this garment suggests it belonged to a commoner. The Ryûkyûa Islands were an independent kingdom until 1879, when they were annexed by Japan. This robe has sleeves similar to a Japanese kimono, which indicates that it was made after 1879.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Materials and techniques | Plain weave undyed banana fibre |
| Brief description | Robe, plain weave undyed banana fibre, Ryukyu Islands, late 19th-early 20th century |
| Physical description | Robe of plain weave undyed banana fibre patterned in the warp (longitudinal threads) with brown variegated stripes. The upper shoulder section is lined with a white cotton-like material, the rest of the garment being unlined. The seams are tailored with large white running stitches. At some time previously there has been a tuck just below waist level to shorten it. |
| Dimensions |
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| Object history | Purchased. Registered File number 1981/1804. |
| Summary | This robe was made and worn in the Ryûkyû Islands, the archipelago to the south of mainland Japan. The fabric is woven from the fibres of the thread banana plant. This cloth, known as ‘bashôfu’, was worn by all sections of Ryûkyûan society, although the simple, striped pattern of this garment suggests it belonged to a commoner. The Ryûkyûa Islands were an independent kingdom until 1879, when they were annexed by Japan. This robe has sleeves similar to a Japanese kimono, which indicates that it was made after 1879. |
| Bibliographic reference | Jackson, Anna, Japanese Country Textiles, London: V&A Publications, 1997, page 53, fig. 32 |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | FE.12-1985 |
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| Record created | February 12, 2000 |
| Record URL |
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