Light blue-ground Ryūkyūan robe (ryūso) with pine and snowflake motif by Anonymous

Light blue-ground Ryūkyūan robe (ryūso) with pine and snowflake motif c. 19th century

pattern heavy

japan

geometric pattern

repetitive shape and pattern

repetition of pattern

regular pattern

pattern repetition

layered pattern

funky pattern

combined pattern

repetitive pattern

This 19th century Ryūkyūan robe (ryūso) is a beautiful example of traditional textile artistry. The robe's light blue background is adorned with a repeating pattern of stylized pine branches and snowflakes, a motif commonly associated with the Ryukyu Kingdom. These motifs are rendered in vibrant hues of pink, yellow, and red, adding a visually stunning dimension to the overall design. The robe is a testament to the rich cultural heritage of the Ryukyu Islands, showcasing their unique blend of artistic traditions and natural imagery.

Comments

minneapolisinstituteofart about 1 year ago

⋮

The aristocracy used cotton for winter garments. The cut of this garment is typical for Ryūkyūan robes (ryūso): it has sleeves completely attached to the body with triangular gussets under the arms, a long neckband, and is wider and shorter than kimonos from the Japanese mainland. Here, a complex design runs riot over it: maroon-interlocking circles of bamboo, groups of pine boughs and plum blossoms, large stylized snowflakes filled with chrysanthemums, and small ones filled with turtles and cranes, depicted in red.