Drie vrouwen wassen kimono's before 1898

This photograph by Kusakabe Kimbei shows three women washing kimonos, and it gives us insight into the materials and labor involved in maintaining traditional Japanese garments. The photograph's composition emphasizes the materiality of the kimonos themselves. The fabrics, likely silk or cotton, drape and fold in ways that highlight their texture and weight. Notice the intricate patterns and colors, achieved through dyeing and weaving techniques passed down through generations of skilled artisans. These processes required significant time and effort. The washing process itself, carried out by hand, underscores the labor-intensive nature of textile care. The image also reflects the social context of the time, with women performing essential domestic tasks. By drawing attention to the making and maintenance of clothing, this photograph invites us to consider the cultural value placed on craftsmanship and the role of labor in everyday life. It challenges the conventional separation of art from craft.