JAPANESE
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)

Credit Line
National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne
Purchased through The Art Foundation of Victoria, 1994

Gallery location
Not on display

About this work

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.

Artwork Details

Place/s of Execution
Japan

Accession Number
AS2-1994

Department
Asian Art

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JAPANESE Paper robe (Kamiko 紙衣) (late 18th century-early 19th century)

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JAPANESE
Paper robe
(Kamiko 紙衣)
(late 18th century-early 19th century)