Terms and conditions of use
Ainu robe
(Ainu attushi)
(19th century)
- Medium
- elm bark fibre thread, cotton, indigo dyes
- Measurements
- 124.0 cm (centre back) 34.5 cm (sleeve length)
- Place/s of Execution
- Hokkaido, Japan
- Accession Number
- 2011.339
- Department
- Asian Art
- Credit Line
- National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne
Gift of David Bardas in memory of Sandra Bardas OAM through the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program, 2011
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
-
The Ainu are the original inhabitants of the northern islands of Japan and far eastern areas of present day Russia. Their most characteristic item of clothing is the attush, made from the fibres of a Japanese elm tree. Historically, attush used for ceremonial purposes were decorated on the collar, sleeves, back and hem with patterns in blue and black appliqué (iechunu) and further embroidered with line work. Geometric designs related to ancestor- and nature-worship – including bear, owl and killer-whale gods – were passed down from generation to generation.