Kosode with design of scouring rushes and the "flowery rabbits" motif Paste-resist dyeing (Yuzen) on brown figured silk satin (shusu)
This kosode is believed to have been produced in the last quarter of the 18th century. The construction of Edo as the headquarters of the Tokugawa shogun began in 1603. At that time, the people of Edo were originally from other parts of Japan. From around the middle of the 18th century their descendants, born and raised in Edo, began to create unique Edo characteristics and culture. Identifiable Edo characteristics were found in clothing preferences and lifestyle during the 1780s and the later Temmei/Kansei era.
This kosode has scouring rush and "flowery rabbit" patterns dyed in the Yuzen style, on a figured satin with woven designs of bamboo fencing and chrysanthemums. Although we do not see any rabbits, the birdcage-like object placed between the rushes symbolizes a rabbit. This shape is also found in a silk tea caddy bag, and is known by other names such as Tsukurido. Suminokura kinran (gold brocade textile prized by Suminokura) with designs of a flower and rabbit depicted in this birdcage-like shape, was so well-known that seeing this shape reminds us of the "flower rabbits" patterns, leading us to equate Tsukurido with "flowery rabbit" patterns.
This work is an excellent example of the fashions preferred by the people of Edo.
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Kosode with design of scouring rushes and the "flowery rabbits" motif Paste-resist dyeing (Yuzen) on brown figured silk satin (shusu)
The last quarter of the eighteenth century (Mid-Edo period)
Heirloom of Chigusaya
