Summer Kimono (Hitoe)

Description

This hitoe (an unlined summer kimono) is patterned with leaves and water irises, a traditional Japanese motif. The use of bold colors, stylized natural forms, and curvilinear renderings alludes to the possible influence of Art Nouveau. The layered textures from both the gauze weave and the resulting undulation of the shibori technique contrasts with the flat stenciling technique applied to the surface, giving the appearance not of the actual flowers, but of their reflection in rippling water.

Provenance

Winnie Dahl, Oakland, CA, and Tokyo, probably late 1970s [this and the following according to information provided by donors in curatorial object file]; sold to Mary V. Hays (1920-2002, born Van Artsdalen) and Ralph E. Hays (1920-2010), Los Gatos, CA, Aug. 1977 [Hays inventory no. 77.72; incoming receipt RX22608, Oct. 29, 1999; copy in curatorial object file]; given to the Art Institute of Chicago, 1999.

Summer Kimono (Hitoe)

About 1900–1916

Accession Number

153709

Medium

Silk, plain weave self-patterned by rows of gauze crossings (yoko-ro); resist- dyed (shibori) and stenciled (kata yûzen-zome)

Dimensions

141.9 × 126.4 cm (55 7/8 × 49 3/4 in.); Warp repeat: H.: 74.4 cm (29 1/4 in.)

Classification

weaving - printed

Museum

The Art Institute of Chicago

Chicago, United States

Credit Line

Gift of Mary V. and Ralph E. Hays