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Image of Gallery in South Kensington
Not currently on display at the V&A
On short term loan out for exhibition

Robe

1800-1870 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

This robe was made and worn in Okinawa, the largest of the islands in the Ryūkyūan archipelago that stretches to the south of mainland Japan. Until 1879, when it became part of Japan, the islands were an independent kingdom. Robes such as this were worn only by members of the Ryūkyūan royal family. The pattern of maple leaves has been created using stencils and bright mineral pigments. This technique is known as 'bingata'.


Object details

Categories
Object type
Materials and techniques
Stencilled cotton
Brief description
Robe of stencilled dyed cotton (bingata), Shuri, 1800-1870
Physical description
Robe of stencilled dyed (bingata) cotton in colours on a blue ground. Three different cottons are used, one on the outside, one as a lining and a third to form a collar and facings down the front. The garment has broad straight sleeves, and is slightly flared from the shoulders. The cotton on the outside of the kimono has a floral design with flowers outlined in white, some with pink or mauve centres, and black stalks on blue ground. The lining is pale blue with wavy white stems linking groups of delicately coloured flowers. The facing is striped with a dark and light blue with groups of interconnected coloured squares at intervals.
Dimensions
  • Length: 132cm (maximum)
  • Sleeve to sleeve width: 124.5cm (maximum)
Production
Shuri, Ryûkyû Islands.
Summary
This robe was made and worn in Okinawa, the largest of the islands in the Ryūkyūan archipelago that stretches to the south of mainland Japan. Until 1879, when it became part of Japan, the islands were an independent kingdom. Robes such as this were worn only by members of the Ryūkyūan royal family. The pattern of maple leaves has been created using stencils and bright mineral pigments. This technique is known as 'bingata'.
Collection
Accession number
T.295-1960

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Record createdFebruary 12, 2000
Record URL
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