Kimono with resist-dyed decoration of pine trees and clouds, Japan, 1880-1910

Kimono of black crêpe silk decorated with paste-resist (yuzen) design of pine trees and clouds, lined with bright red silk. Five crests (mon), reversed in white across the shoulders, of the Ogasawara who ruled Buzen in Kyushu during the Edo period. By the time this kimono was created, such samurai clans no longer held power but families would still use crests on formal garments such as this. The long 'swinging sleeves' (furisode) indicate that the kimono would have been worn by a young, unmarried woman.

Given by Lady Palairet in memory of Sir Michael Palairet

Lady Mary Palairet recalled that her husband acquired the kimono in Kyoto from Nomura Shōjirō just after the 1923 earthquake. Nomura was a leading dealer and collector of Japanese kimono and other textiles.

JAPAN

The elegant design of pine trees on this kimono was created using a technique called yuzen. This involves drawing the pattern on the cloth with rice paste extruded through the metal tip of a cloth bag. The paste forms a protective coat that prevents the dye penetrating. The large pattern areas were then completely blocked with paste before the background colour was applied. The cloud areas have been created using gold leaf and tiny parts of the design have been highlighted with touches of embroidery.

T.266-1968