Ainu coat

19th century

This yellow fabric was made from the bast fibers of a Japanese elm tree native to Hokkaido in northern Japan. Abstract designs cut out from indigo-dyed cloth were embroidered on with parentheses-like stitches. Such appliqué designs are distinct features of traditional clothing for the Ainu people, an indigenous group in Hokkaido. The bold patterns, intended to keep evil spirits away, decorate garments for ceremonial wear. Everyday wear does not have much decoration.

Elm bark fiber and cotton cloth with indigo dye

50 3/8 x 51 1/8 in. (127.95 x 129.86 cm)

Gift of the Christensen Fund

2001.432

Photo: Elizabeth Mann

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 Art Museum, Indigo, May 9 - Oct. 19, 2003.

Seattle, Washington, Seattle Asian Art Museum, Boundless: Stories of Asian Art, Feb. 8, 2020 - ongoing [on view Feb. 8, 2020 - July 11, 2021].

Published ReferencesRathbun, William Jay, Seattle Art Museum, "Beyond The Tanabata Bridge: Traditional Japanese Textiles", 1993 Seattle, Washington

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