A Fragment of an Edo Period Luxury Kimono: Expert Embroidery and Couching

eighteenth century
11 3/4" x 15", 30 cm x 38 cm

This beautifully made, highly decorated silk cloth fragment was taken from a luxury kimono that was worn by women in the top stratum of society during the Edo period (1615-1868).

This fragment is made of rinzu or a figured silk satin. It shows a playful field of stylized images--plum blossoms, chrysanthemums, hollyhock--that have been embroidered in silk floss and couched in gold-covered paper yarn. As well, you can see wonderfully detailed, faux shibori dyed images that complement the embroidered ones and act as a visual foil to them.

What we see here is stupendously good hand work: wonderfully tight and precise embroidered silk floss, golden threads that are couched and images are rich in tremendously adept needle work. Pay special attention to the heart-shaped hollyhocks to see the details stitched onto the images.

The fragment is in excellent condition and is a joy to behold.

Recommended.