Child's Kimono with Pine, Bamboo, Plum Blossoms, and Fans

Child's Kimono with Pine, Bamboo, Plum Blossoms, and Fans

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

The waist and shoulder on a child’s kimono have tucks (extra fabric) that can be let out as a child grows. This kimono could be enlarged nearly fifteen inches in length and over four inches in width and was thus able to accommodate several years of growth. Pine, bamboo, and plum blossoms often occur together as a trio of congratulatory motifs. The fan is also auspicious because its shape—widening at one end—signifies increase or growth.

Asian Art

An exhibit at Metropolitan Museum of Art

Child's Kimono with Pine, Bamboo, Plum Blossoms, and FansChild's Kimono with Pine, Bamboo, Plum Blossoms, and FansChild's Kimono with Pine, Bamboo, Plum Blossoms, and FansChild's Kimono with Pine, Bamboo, Plum Blossoms, and FansChild's Kimono with Pine, Bamboo, Plum Blossoms, and Fans

The Met's collection of Asian art—more than 35,000 objects, ranging in date from the third millennium B.C. to the twenty-first century—is one of the largest and most comprehensive in the world. Each of the many civilizations of Asia is represented by outstanding works, providing an unrivaled experience of the artistic traditions of nearly half the world.