Description
This pieced is named Midori (green) No Shio (tide). Likely to have been made during the Showa Period (1926 - 1989). This period saw a rise in geometric patterns, used as both motifs and backgrounds for other patterns within kimonos. Often using resist dyed motifs, and “tide pools” of color to be contrasted against woven geometric fabrics.
This pearl colored kimono showcases scattered accents of color, composing an asymmetrical yet balanced design.
Techniques
This kimono likely uses a variation of Yuzen Dyeing for the green tide pools. The term yuzen is named for the legendary Kyoto-based artist Miyazaki Yuzen Sai (1650-1736), who was a lauded fan painter and the man who came up with the original techniques still seen in traditional kimono dying today.
This piece draws close similarities to the Edo-Yuzen technique. Born in Japan’s largest city, the Tokyo version of yuzen was more inspired by sleek practicality than it was by over-the-top showmanship. You can easily identify a Edo or Tokyo yuzen by its more muted, softer color palette which often plays backdrop to images of Edo-era merchants at work. As this style was evolving, the city was under the rule of a strict sumptuary law which forbade people from any over displays of luxury and extravagance.
Care Instructions
