Kimono thumbnail 1
Kimono thumbnail 2
+1
images
Not currently on display at the V&A

Kimono

1840-1870 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

The combination of delicate embroidery and dark satin fabric gives this kimono a striking, lustrous appearance. The design of paired ducks is a symbol of marital harmony, so this garment may have been part of a wedding trousseau. The kimono was brought back to Britain by John Bonham-Carter, who visited Japan in 1881-2.


Object details

Categories
Object type
Materials and techniques
Satin weave silk (<i>shu</i>) with embroidery in silk and metallic thread
Brief description
Kimono, silk satin embroidered with paired ducks, Japan, Edo period, 1840-1870
Physical description
Kosode (kimono with small wrist openings) for a woman. It is cut in the classic kimono style. On a rich brown satin weave silk paired ducks amid waves are embroidered all over the garment. The ducks are executed in polychrome untwisted silk in a variety of straight stitches. The waves are of untwisted silk in stem stitch and wound gold thread couched down in pairs. The garment is wadded and lined throughout with thin orange-red plain weave silk. The hem is additionally padded and the inside cuffs are faced with red silk crêpe.
Dimensions
  • Including collar length: 183cm
  • Across sleeves width: 126cm
Style
Object history
Purchased. Registered File number 1987/2033.

Brought back to Britain by John Bonham-Carter who visited East Asia in 1881-2.

This kimono seems likely to have been used for a wedding because of the paired ducks design. There is a handwritten label sewn to the inside opening which says it belonged to a bridal trousseau.
Subjects depicted
Summary
The combination of delicate embroidery and dark satin fabric gives this kimono a striking, lustrous appearance. The design of paired ducks is a symbol of marital harmony, so this garment may have been part of a wedding trousseau. The kimono was brought back to Britain by John Bonham-Carter, who visited Japan in 1881-2.
Bibliographic reference
Jackson, Anna, Japanese Textiles in the Victoria & Albert Museum, London: V&A Publications, 2000, plate 122
Collection
Accession number
FE.28-1987

About this object record

Explore the Collections contains over a million catalogue records, and over half a million images. It is a working database that includes information compiled over the life of the museum. Some of our records may contain offensive and discriminatory language, or reflect outdated ideas, practice and analysis. We are committed to addressing these issues, and to review and update our records accordingly.

You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.

Suggest feedback

Record createdFebruary 18, 2003
Record URL
Download as: JSONIIIF Manifest