Terms and conditions of use
Paper robe
(Kamiko 紙衣)
(late 18th century-early 19th century)
- Medium
- silk, paper
- Measurements
- 134.4 cm (centre back) 116.3 cm (cuff to cuff)
- Place/s of Execution
- Japan
- Accession Number
- AS2-1994
- Department
- Asian Art
- Credit Line
- National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne
Purchased through The Art Foundation of Victoria, 1994
This digital record has been made available on NGV Collection Online through the generous support of The Gordon Darling Foundation - Gallery location
- Special Exhibitions Gallery
Ground Level, NGV International - About this work
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Kamiko is the general term for paper clothing, and derives from the words kami (paper) and koromo (garments worn by monks and priests). Such padded garments were also worn by chajin (tea masters) and called chabaori. Kamiko reflect the wabi-sabi aesthetic, being primarily composed of paper, a humble material that displays markings with age. The paper is made from mulberry-tree fibre saturated with vegetable tannin to make it durable and wrinkled to give it softness.