JAPANESE
Men’s undergarment (nagajuban) with graveyard, skulls and crescent moon
c. 1930

Medium
silk, wool, cotton

Measurements
127.0 cm (centre back) 130.5 cm (cuff to cuff)

Credit Line
National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne
Maureen Morrisey Bequest, 2018

Gallery location
Not on display

About this work

Nagajuban (long kimono undergarments) were concealed under outer kimono and often featured designs that revealed the wearer’s secret interests and playful spirit. Skulls in Japanese history are associated with the inevitable fate of humans and the Buddhist cycle of birth, life, death and reincarnation. In a humorous manner, skulls have been a popular motif for men’s garments, paintings and carved items. On this kimono and in the design sample book, we see a graveyard motif with skulls under a crescent moon.

Artwork Details

Place/s of Execution
Japan

Accession Number
2017.1266

Department
Asian Art

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JAPANESE Men’s undergarment (nagajuban) with graveyard, skulls and crescent moon c. 1930

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JAPANESE
Men’s undergarment (nagajuban) with graveyard, skulls and crescent moon
c. 1930