Kimono, crepe silk with stencil and freehand resist-dyed and embroidered decorationn of cranes in a landscape, Japan, 1910-1930

kimono, plain weve crepe silk. The design of cranes flying above a river among plum blossoms and mountains has been resist-dyed using stencils and freehand techniques. Small elements of the design, such as the crests and wing feather of the birds, have been embroiderd. There are small gold crests (mon) across the shoulders. The kimono is lined in red plain weave silk and there is a tag at the back of the neck which reads ‘Made in Japan’ in English. This sash is not a true obi but a narrow sash of the same fabric as the garment.. It too is lined in red plain weave silk and has a red tassel at each end.

Given by Miss Christobel Hardcastle

The design of the garment suggests that it was made for the domestic market, potentially as one of a set of wedding garments. However the sash and the 'Made in Japan' label means it must have been sold on the export market. The donor, Miss Christobel Hardcastle, travelled to China, Korea, Bali and Java in the 1930s so the kimono may have been acquired at this time.

Registered File number 1974/2287.

The designers of this kimono, which dates from the early 20th century, has composed an entire landscape across the surface of the garment, the image of cranes, rippling water, rocks and cherry blossoms being created with stencil and free-hand resist-dyeing techniques with touches of embroidery. It is a highly sophisticated garment, yet the 'Made In Japan' label and slim, western-style, sash suggest it was destined for the export market.

FE.233:1, 2-1974