Kimono for a woman. Machine-spun pongee silk woven with stencil-printed warp thread (meisen) Japan, Taisho period, 1912-26; Kimono for a woman. Figured silk crêpe (omeshi chirimen) brocade-woven with lacquered threads (rama-ire) Japan, Taisho period, 1920-30.
On at the V&A Museum in London until 1 May 2006, V&A - Fashioning Kimono: Dress in early 20th century Japan.
"These boldly patterned and brilliantly coloured kimono reveal the dynamism of Japanese textile design in the early twentieth century. This was a period of economic prosperity and cultural expansion. Although western-style clothes were gaining popularity among women, the kimono continued to be worn. The traditional cut of the garment remained the same, but the motifs were dramatically enlarged and new designs appeared, inspired by western styles such as Art Nouveau and Art Deco... These vibrant kimono styles remained popular until the 1950s."
I hope I can get up to London to see this - just browsing the photo gallery is making me drool...
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