Kesa
Second half of the 18th century, Late Edo period (1789–1868)
Medium
Silk; plain weave, embroidered with silk and gilt-paper-strip-wrapped silk
Dimensions
112.8 × 186.5 cm (44 3/8 × 73 3/8 in.)
Classification
textile
Department
Textiles
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
183114
Rights
Public Domain
About this artwork
This garment is exceptional in two ways. It is unusually well-presrved, with its ivory ring and all straps and cords in place, thus allowing its presentation on a form, over a robe, in a way that correctly simulates the way it was worn. Also, it was made from an uwagi, a formal over-robe worn only by woman of the highest social standing during the Edo period. Its decoration of rows of lozenges based on floral forms is entirely embroidered in silk and gilt-paper-wrapped thread.
About the Artist
Unknown
The artist designated as "Unknown" in our virtual museum's collection exemplifies a poignant chapter in art history: creators whose identities have faded into obscurity despite the enduring power of their work. With only one known artwork attributed to them in our holdings, this figure represents countless anonymous hands that shaped visual culture across centuries. Museums worldwide, including th...