Ainu robe (attusi)

19th century

This robe is among the most representative type of Ainu garments worn by people in northern Japan. The striking abstract designs are distinctively Ainu and believed to protect the wearer. A typical practice among Ainu people, knowledge about textile decorative designs is passed down from mother to daughter.

Elm bark fiber (ohyo) cloth with cotton cloth applique and cotton thread embroidery

51 x 58 in. (129.52 x 147.3 cm)

Gift of the Virginia and Bagley Wright Collection

89.140

Photo: Paul Macapia

Not currently on view

Resources

Exhibition HistorySeattle, Washington, Seattle Art Museum, Beyond The Tanabata Bridge: A Textile Journey In Japan (Washington, D.C., Textile Museum, Sept. 10, 1993 - Feb. 27, 1994; Birmingham, Alabama, Birmingham Museum of Art, Apr. 17 - June 26, 1994; Dallas, Texas, Dallas Museum of Art, Mar. 12 - May 28, 1995).

Seattle, Washington, Seattle Asian Art Museum, Boundless: Stories of Asian Art, Feb. 8, 2020 - ongoing [on view July 29, 2022 - Jan. 8, 2023].

Published ReferencesRathbun, William Jay, Seattle Art Museum, "Beyond The Tanabata Bridge: Traditional Japanese Textiles", 1993 Seattle, Washington, pg. 98 & 99

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