The Artistry of the Japanese Kimono

A series of antique kimonos and traditional Japanese garb were on exhibit from September of last year through January 2015, at the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s, “Kimono: A Modern History”.

Included among the many clothing displays, were items from Western and contemporary designers who drew their inspiration from Japanese culture, as well as examples of Western influence on Japanese fashion.

Here are some featured displays from the exhibit.

(L) “The Rice Bowl Dress” by Carolyn Schnurer, from her Flight to Japan collection, 1952.  Emphasize is placed on a reversed Kimono neckline, and a pleated skirt inspired by Japanese oilcloth parasols.

(R) Persimmon colored shirt with spiraling sleeves by Issey Miyake, 1991.

(L) Meisen Kimono with geometric pattern, circa 1920, reflects Dutch De Stijl influence.

(R) Unlined Meisen Summer Kimono, 2^nd half of the 20^th century, features gold and silver design with “cracked ice” pattern.

(L) Woman’s Evening Coat by Jean-Charles Worth, 1910-1920, features a coral silk velvet evening or opera coat with cascading folds falling in an asymmetric Kimono-like style.

(R) Japanese Women cloaked in American and Japanese flags, circa 1900.

Kimono-shaped Coverlet (Yogi) with Lobster & Crest, Meiji period, mid-19th century, features Tsutsugaki textile of resist-dyed cotton, with lobster motif as a symbol of longevity.

(L) Edo (1615-1868) and Meiji (1868-1912) period Obi textiles.

(R) Portable smoking set of pipe and case, Edo period; Lacquer hair pin with flowers, Meiji period.

Child’s winter Kimono with Mickey Mouse motif, Showa Period, mid-20^th century, reflects imported popular cultural references in twentieth-century Japan.