Tanks and Kimonos

Oct 20

Man's Under-Kimono with "Italy in Ethiopia" Symbols

Japan Suite visited The Metropolitan Museum of Art exhibition in New York City entitled, Kimono: A Modern History this weekend. It’s focused on Kimonos from the 18th century to modern day Japan, and the designs on these garments reflected the social trends and history from that time period. We were fascinated to find foreign and modern objects on these traditional Japanese garments — things like a woven Mickey Mouse Kimono or undergarments printed with a camera, which reflects the modernizing of Japan. Another interesting and possibly strange discovery were some garments infused with propaganda. Some kimonos had fighter planes and tanks, while another glorifies Italy’s takeover of Ethiopia in 1935, and we also found an elegant black silk kasuri (a style of woven, dyed fabric) with the Hinomaru (the rising sun symbol most well-known from Japanese flags). It is fascinating to know that the Kimono was sometimes a walking statement, reflecting various periods of history. The show was truly eye-opening, even for Japanese people.

Woman's Kimono circa 1940s. Silk Kasuri with gold thread

Japan Suite

Showcasing traditional Japanese crafts and the artisans who create them — their stories and their art in words and visions. Japan’s hand-made crafts have played an integral role in the lives of Japanese for centuries. They are created in response to basic, everyday needs and have long been used in the daily rhythms of life. They come from the earth and from nature, and they are prized for their simplicity and long life. Craftspeople pour their passion, pride and energy into their handiwork, creating objects that can far outlive their creators, but in doing so, they carry on the artist’s legacy. The artisans know their objects can live hundreds of years, and they want to be just as proud of it in 100 years as they are today. So, everyday household items take on a life of their own, their own spirit and their own story. They are unique, one-of-a-kind creations with a character and spirit that grows stronger with regular use. The artist creates the object, but that is just the beginning of the journey. In the hands of its owner, a relationship is created, one that is nurtured across time. Just as we do, these creations will change over time developing new imperfections and new character. Each region and each artisan have their own character. In Japan, this is known as meibutsu. The legacy has been passed down by Japanese artists across time down to today’s craftspeople who are advancing and redefining this tradition. We applaud these artisans, and we strive to support them as they re-interpret the heritage of their predecessors — and we are proud to introduce their work, their stories and the passion they put into their creation here at Japan Suite.

Tanks and Kimonos

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