Woman in Summer Kimono (Kasō no musume) Possibly 1920 - 1929

Editor: Here we have Hashiguchi Goyo's "Woman in Summer Kimono," located at the Harvard Art Museums. What strikes me is the level of detail in the fabric, and the way the kimono drapes. What do you make of this piece? Curator: I see a carefully constructed representation of labor and consumption. Note the intricate patterns; these textiles represent significant material resources and craft. How does the artist’s focus on the kimono challenge our understanding of "high art" versus craft? Editor: That's interesting. It makes me consider the value placed on different types of artistic labor and materials. Curator: Exactly. The very act of depicting such a commonplace yet intricately made garment elevates the labor involved in its creation. This work encourages us to think about the means of production and how they relate to aesthetics. Editor: I never thought about it that way. Thanks for highlighting the materiality and labor involved.