Japan
Ethnic Garment:
Orange and white silk jacquard crepe short-sleeved kimono
Date: 1950s
Donor: Anonymous
This kosode for a young married woman is a variation of traditional kimono typically made of long pieces of 14" wide silk fabric, stitched together without outing to fit the body. There are no shoulder seams. In fact, as a woman is dressed in kimono, her body's indentations, such as the waist, are padded to achieve a cylindrical effect. The pattern of white dots represents traditional Japanese technique called shibori (a threat reside process). This kosode would have traditionally been worn for informal occasions, probably in the fall season as represented by the printed chrysanthemum motif. An obi would have been worn around the waistline, and items would have been tucked into it eliminating the need for a pocket.
Contemporary Garment:
Pink polyester crepe de chine dressing gown
Date: 1980s
Courtesy of Dr. Linda Arthur
This garment emulates traditional Japanese kimono and shibori design. The application of gold design is a traditional Japanese textile painting technique known as yuzen textile design. Because it was designed for western wear, it was made of wider fabric, cut with slight flare, has a natural shoulder line and a pocket that are not needed in traditional Japanese kimono. This dressing gown has a snap closure to hold it together.