Accession Number

2006.004.104

Alternate Name

kimono

Description

One red satin robe. Overall embroidery of flowers and vases. Black patterned edging. Loop and button side closure. Plain red satin inside, with the inside of the sleeves featuring heavy floral embroidery in forbidden stitch, couching, and satin stitch. Knee length.

Narrative

This piece was made in China in the early 20th century for the tourist market. It combines elements of traditional Chinese court robes with a shorter cut and looser sleeves to make it more appealing to the European and North American market, whose buyers used robes like this as dressing gowns and other forms of lounge ware. 

In the early 20th century 'kimono' was used by Europeans as a generic term for any vaguely Asian silk robe. It does not indicate a traditional Japanese kimono.

History of Use

Unknown; previously in the collection of the Canadiana Costume Society

Date

circa 1900

Dimensions

104 cm long

Material

Fabric, silk, satin

Technique

Embroidered

Country of Origin

China