Art Analysis - A Dyeing Art

 

Kubota, Itchiku. Ohn/ Fuji and Burning Clouds. 1994, Itchiku Kubota Art Museum, Japan.

   

     Kimono brings up memories of when I was little. My mom asked us to wear one, and I loved it because it was very airy and comfortable. It has only one solid color, though, and it's pink for me. Now I can see a lot of vibrant colors painted on the kimonos. A beautiful painting you can wear!

    Kimonos are a reflection of history and a symbol of culture in Japan. It is known for its rich colors and designs. Here we see a spectacularly designed kimono created by Mr. Kubota. His works are derived from  Itchiku Tsujigahana, a Japanese fabric dyeing technique that was difficult to achieve and was performed during the 15th century. (The Kubota Collection:Itchiku Tsujigahana technique) He revived this technique because of its uniqueness and the rigorous process of making it. His art masterpieces are currently in the Itchiku Kubota museum near Mt Fuji. A sacred mountain on which he relates and base most of his artworks. 

    In this piece, you can see Mt. Fuji in a sunset sky with fiery burning clouds in the background. He used light and dark tones that complemented the depth of colors and gently changed the bottom of the kimono, adding some unique expression to the garment. What got me was the wide range of colors that were incredibly blended and used, considering that he dyed it. Each color is exceptional, and the mixing, blending, and pairing of colors provide additional significance to the Kimono culture.

    I am amazed at how he utilized great tertiary colors in the kimono, such as yellow-orange, red-orange, and Blue-purple/violet, which makes it more appealing. The hues of colors and techniques made the kimono art so attractive and fascinating to see. It's like a walking painting!

     As mentioned above, the bold colors greatly complement the light through the darkly shaded portion of the kimono. These types of kimonos are exceptionally textured. The paint was fascinatingly placed and crafted in silk fabric, giving it a realistic finish. Finally, the embroidery was used to enhance the design and emphasize the seams of the kimono. I now have so much more appreciation and gratitude for those hard-working kimono artists who care deeply for the details in perfecting this art form.

  

Works Cited

“Itchiku Tsujigahana Technique.” Tsujigahana Technique | The Kubota Collection,                                                  

                  https://thekubotacollection.com/tsujigahana-technique.

“Ohn/ Fuji and Burning Clouds: The Kubota Collection.” The Kubota Collection Ohn Fuji and Burning Clouds, https://thekubotacollection.com/collection/mount-fuji/ohn-fuji-and-burning-clouds.html.