Attush robe

NameRobe

Artist Unrecorded Ainu artist

CultureAinu

Dateca. 1850

Place madeNorthern area of Hokkaido, Japan, East Asia, Asia

MediumAttush (elm-bark fiber cloth) and cotton

Dimensions52 x 52 in. (132.08 x 132.08 cm)

Credit LineMuseum of International Folk Art, gift of Lloyd E. Cotsen and the Neutrogena Corporation, A.1995.93.665

Object numberA.1995.93.665

Collections

The Lloyd Cotsen & Neutrogena Collection

DescriptionThe robe is made of a plain weave of attush (fiber made of the inner bark of the elm tree). The collar, lapels, upper back, sleeve cuffs and hem areas of the robe are decorated with blue cotton appliqued onto the attush ground in a symmetrical block-like design. Over this is embroidered a lighter blue cotton (chain stitch) linear element, also in a symmetrical pattern, which attenuates the applique shapes. The collar is constructed of white cotton, overlaid with indigo dyed cotton chain stitch embroidery. Color: Natural tan (attush), Indigo (dark) blue, light blue and white Technique: Plain weave, applique and moreu* embroidery.