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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

Kimono

1860-1880 (made)
Place of origin

The motifs on this extremely exuberant outer kimono (uchikake) relate to the Kabuki play, Shakkyo (Stone Bridge). Originally derived from a Chinese legend, the story was adapted as a play for the classical No theatre in the Muromachi period (1336-1573), and then a Kabuki version became extremely popular in the Edo period (1615-1868). This scene on the kimono shows a bridge over a steep gorge near the summit of Mount Seiryo which was reputed to lead to the Buddhist paradise, guarded by shishi (mythical lions). The Kabuki play culminates in a dramatic shakkyomono, or lion dance. The figure on the bridge is a Kabuki actor who embodies the spirit of the shishi, while below are the actual shishi depicted alongside other figures surrounded by peonies. It is possible, therefore, that the uchikake was worn for a Kabuki theatre performance. Costumes worn on stage certainly needed to be flamboyant and eye-catching, but the motifs were not normally so literal. It is more likely, therefore, that this garment belonged instead to a high-ranking courtesan. It would have been worn when parading through the pleasure quarters.

The three figures, shishi and peonies are composed of satin and crepe silk, dyed in bright colours, which have been applied to the black ground and then outlined with couched gold-wrapped thread. The bridge, clouds, water, leaves and other elements are also in couched gold embroidery. The design is padded in places to add extra three-dimensionality, while the eyes of the shishi are of glass as are those of the main figure on the bridge who also has actual hair, from an animal, and buttons of metal.



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interact Kimono for a courtesan? The motif on this exuberant outer-kimono (uchikake) relates to a popular kabuki play – a traditional Japanese form of theatre – derived from the Chinese legend of Shakkyō (meaning Stone Bridge). The bridge, over a steep gorge near the summit of Mount Seiryo, was reputed to lead to the Budd...

Object details

Categories
Object type
Materials and techniques
Satin; embroidery; applique
Brief description
Kimono with motifs relating to Kabuki theatre, Japan, 1860-1880
Physical description
Outer kimono (uchikake) depicting a figure on a bridge across a river gorge, with shishi (mythical lions) and two figures below among peonies. Satin silk with appliqué and embroidery, some heavily padded. Lining of polychrome figured silk, which extends to the thick padded hem, and red cotton.
Dimensions
  • Length: 182cm
  • Width: 134cm
Gallery label
  • High-ranking courtesans were called oiran. They were major celebrities, known for their culture, wit and artistic ability as much as for their sexual skills. When parading through the pleasure quarter oiran would wear the most spectacular of garments with very high geta (shoes). This exuberant kimono was probably worn on such an occasion. The motifs relate to a kabuki play, revealing the close connections between the theatre and the brothel. (29/02/2020)
  • Outer kimono (uchikake) 1870–90 This exuberant outer kimono features a scene from a popular kabuki play. Decorative themes on actual kabuki stage costumes were not usually so literal, so this garment may not have been worn by an actor but by a high-ranking courtesan. The pleasures of the theatre and the brothel were closely linked during the Edo period. Probably Kyoto Satin silk with appliqué and embroidery in silk and metal-wrapped threads Museum no. FE.73-2014 (04/11/2015)
Summary
The motifs on this extremely exuberant outer kimono (uchikake) relate to the Kabuki play, Shakkyo (Stone Bridge). Originally derived from a Chinese legend, the story was adapted as a play for the classical No theatre in the Muromachi period (1336-1573), and then a Kabuki version became extremely popular in the Edo period (1615-1868). This scene on the kimono shows a bridge over a steep gorge near the summit of Mount Seiryo which was reputed to lead to the Buddhist paradise, guarded by shishi (mythical lions). The Kabuki play culminates in a dramatic shakkyomono, or lion dance. The figure on the bridge is a Kabuki actor who embodies the spirit of the shishi, while below are the actual shishi depicted alongside other figures surrounded by peonies. It is possible, therefore, that the uchikake was worn for a Kabuki theatre performance. Costumes worn on stage certainly needed to be flamboyant and eye-catching, but the motifs were not normally so literal. It is more likely, therefore, that this garment belonged instead to a high-ranking courtesan. It would have been worn when parading through the pleasure quarters.

The three figures, shishi and peonies are composed of satin and crepe silk, dyed in bright colours, which have been applied to the black ground and then outlined with couched gold-wrapped thread. The bridge, clouds, water, leaves and other elements are also in couched gold embroidery. The design is padded in places to add extra three-dimensionality, while the eyes of the shishi are of glass as are those of the main figure on the bridge who also has actual hair, from an animal, and buttons of metal.



Bibliographic references
  • Jackson, Anna (editor), Kimono: Kyoto to Catwalk, London: V&A Publishing, 2020
  • Rout, Josephine, Japanese Dress in Detail, London: Thames & Hudson, 2020
Collection
Accession number
FE.73-2014

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Record createdAugust 6, 2014
Record URL
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