White-ground Ryūkyūan robe (ryūso) with paired cranes pattern c. mid 19th century
anonymous
minneapolisinstituteofart
fibre-art, textile
fibre-art
pattern
asian-art
textile
ukiyo-e
fashion and textile design
japan
pattern design
repetitive shape and pattern
fabric design
repetition of pattern
regular pattern
pattern repetition
textile design
imprinted textile
layered pattern
This 19th century Ryūkyūan robe, known as a *ryūso*, features a vibrant all-over pattern of cranes against a swirling blue wave background. The robe is made of silk and is thought to have been worn by a high-ranking member of Ryūkyūan society. It is a beautiful example of traditional Ryukyuan textile craftsmanship, featuring intricate embroidery and detailed patterns. The robe is a striking visual representation of Ryukyuan cultural heritage, and its presence in the Minneapolis Institute of Art's collection allows for the study and appreciation of this unique style of clothing.
Comments
A noblewoman likely wore this robe. Made of cotton, a costly imported fabric, it is identifiable as a ryūso (Ryūkyūan robe) by the gussets (triangular pieces of material) under the attached sleeves, the short sleeve length, and the long lapels. This garment would have been worn in the colder winter months, when temperatures dipped to the mid-50s Fahrenheit. The complex pattern of swirling water, cranes, plum blossoms, and other plants was achieved through bingata, the repeated use of a stencil through which a resist paste was applied. The paste blocked the dye from entering the fabric, and these undyed areas were later colored in by hand.
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