Kimono with the Heron Maiden
(1925-1935)
Medium
silk, cotton
Measurements
175.0 cm (centre back) 128.0 cm (cuff to cuff)
Credit Line
National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne
Purchased with funds donated by Berris Aitken, 2023
Gallery location
Not on display
About this work
This kimono is inspired by The Heron Maiden (Sagi Musume), a single-scene kabuki song-and-dance performance. First performed in 1762, it was regularly revived, and during the Taishō period (1912–26) became a popular subject of art and design. In the play, which is based on a ghostly folktale, a young man rescues a wounded white heron that transforms itself into a beautiful woman. He falls in love with her and they marry, but he soon realises that, despite their love, she remains a heron and must disappear forever. This kimono depicts the beautiful young maiden: the white robe is her wedding dress, while the dark obi symbolises death.