Kaparamip robe
NameRobe
Artist
Unrecorded Ainu artist
CultureAinu
Datelate 19th century
Place madeHokkaido, Northern area, Japan, East Asia, Asia
MediumCotton, cotton appliqué and embroidery, indigo
Dimensions48 × 50 in. (121.92 × 127 cm)
Credit LineMuseum of International Folk Art, gift of Lloyd E. Cotsen and the Neutrogena Corporation, A.1995.93.664
Object numberA.1995.93.664
DescriptionA: A flat coat with tapered sleeves is decorated with a white cotton, cut and appliqued onto a dark (striped) ground cloth, creating a curvilinear and symmetrical pattern, which covers the whole surface of the robe. The effect created is of three dark four-sided star shapes descending down the center-back, with (dark) curving lines describing butterfly-like shapes. The collar, lapels, cuffs and hem are edged with a dark hand spun cotton. And the sleeves are given a slightly different look by the use of an under-fabric which has a different pattern from that of the rest of the coat. The overall design is reinforced by a single line of chain stitch cotton embroidery which echoes the linear elements of the applique. Color B: White, Dark (indigo) blue and black Technique C: Plain weave, applique and moreu* embroidery. (Moreu means quiet or small curve in the Ainu language and refers to the curving design of the embroidery.
