Woodblock Print thumbnail 1
Woodblock Print thumbnail 2
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images
Image of Gallery in South Kensington
Not currently on display at the V&A
On short term loan out for exhibition

Woodblock Print


The seductive power of courtesans, and images of them, relied on gorgeous garments. This woman wears many layers of kimono, each pulled back at the collar to sensually reveal the nape of her neck. A dragon adorns her outer kimono, while her inner garment has the red, tie-dyed hemp-leaf pattern so favoured by courtesans. She wears her large obi tied at the front, and the ensemble is styled with an extravagant hair arrangement and high geta (shoes).


Object details

Category
Object type
Brief description
Pap, Japan, prints
Gallery label
The seductive power of courtesans, and images of them, relied on gorgeous garments. This woman wears many layers of kimono, each pulled back at the collar to sensually reveal the nape of her neck. A dragon adorns her outer kimono, while her inner garment has the red, tie-dyed hemp-leaf pattern so favoured by courtesans. She wears her large obi tied at the front, and the ensemble is styled with an extravagant hair arrangement and high geta (shoes).(29/02/2020)
Object history
Purchased from S. M. Franck & Co., accessioned in 1886. This acquisition information reflects that found in the Asia Department registers, as part of a 2022 provenance research project.
Summary
The seductive power of courtesans, and images of them, relied on gorgeous garments. This woman wears many layers of kimono, each pulled back at the collar to sensually reveal the nape of her neck. A dragon adorns her outer kimono, while her inner garment has the red, tie-dyed hemp-leaf pattern so favoured by courtesans. She wears her large obi tied at the front, and the ensemble is styled with an extravagant hair arrangement and high geta (shoes).
Bibliographic reference
Jackson, Anna (editor), Kimono: Kyoto to Catwalk, London: V&A Publications, 2020
Collection
Accession number
E.12564-1886

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Record createdJune 25, 2009
Record URL
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