A complete ensemble, Sister Sha’s Dream Journey, by Shigemune Tamao. This piece was specially created for this exhibition. “Playful accessories and eccentric motifs blend together to created a dreamlike and yet slightly distorted vision of Japan as seen from afar.”
Another inkjet-printed polyester kimono. This kimono featuring skulls is the work of Ueoka Taro of Robe Japonica.
Rumi Shibasaki’s Ko Katani Furisode Kimono (2021). This is a kimono designed for a young woman’s coming of age ceremony (at 20). The inkjet-printed polyester kimono feature patterns and designs of old kutani porcelain.
Two coats and matching accessories from Issey Miyake’s spring 2016 ready-to-wear collection. The coats feature two designs by Ikko Tanaka, Maiko Dancer (Nihon Buyo) on the left, and Sharaku on the right.
Saito Kumiko’s Wedding Kimono with Cranes (1965). Saito created this kimono for her three daughters. It features cranes for good luck, longevity and peace. The two eldest daughters used this kimono at their weddings, while the youngest brought it Melbourne when she migrated to Australia
Yohji Yamamoto’s Kimono Coat (2015). Yohji creates an open hooded overcoat with a vibrant lining based on a kimono.
A pair of kimonos by contemporary artists. Kelsuke Seriwa’s Kimono with pattern imitating glaze dripping down the side of a jar (1961). This stencil dyed banana bark cloth piece was inspired by wabi-sabi style ceramics and their characteristic drips. Next to the drip kimono is Fukumi Shimura’s Bride kimono, Hanayome (2023). This is a hand-woven silk kimono dyed with natural plant extracts. Hanayome is Japanese for bride, and is a brightly coloured kimono that is worn by the bride after the wedding ceremony
An opera coat from Liberty & Co of London from around 1910. This shows the influence of Japanese art on western culture in the early part of the century. Liberty stocked genuine Japanese kimonos alongside their own contemporary designs.
A westernised silk kimono featuring a wisteria pattern embroidered in silk. This kimono was made sometime between 1910 and 1920 for export to Europe.
A close-up of one of the sparrows on yesterday’s kimono – kimono with sparrows and flowers.
THe unbelievable level of detail on this embroidered kimono featuring sparrows and flowers.
A more realistic representation of chrysanthemums on this kimono compared to yesterday’s stylised version.