Robe (Kosode) with Shells and Sea Grasses

Robe (Kosode) with Shells and Sea Grasses

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

This sumptuous robe is among the earliest extant kosode (garment with small sleeve openings). The natural scenery of Japan’s coast, with its beaches strewn with shells and sea grass, inspired the delicate embroidered design. The foundation fabric, woven in an intricate key-fret pattern with floral motifs, was likely imported from China in its white, undecorated state. It was then resist dyed to achieve the effect of irregular sandbanks, and the marine motifs were embroidered on top. The alternating bands of light blue were further embellished with gold-leaf accents.

Asian Art

An exhibit at Metropolitan Museum of Art

Robe (Kosode) with Shells and Sea GrassesRobe (Kosode) with Shells and Sea GrassesRobe (Kosode) with Shells and Sea GrassesRobe (Kosode) with Shells and Sea GrassesRobe (Kosode) with Shells and Sea Grasses

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.