Woman's Ensemble: Cape, Bodysuit, Chaps, and Clogs
Designed by Kansai Yamamoto, Japanese, born 1944
Geography:
Made in Japan, Asia
Date:
1971Medium:
Synthetic satin, wool knitCopyright:
Curatorial Department:
Costume and TextilesObject Location:
1974-3-2a--eCredit Line:
Gift of Hess's Department Store, Allentown, 1974
Made in Japan, Asia
Date:
1971Medium:
Synthetic satin, wool knitCopyright:
Curatorial Department:
Costume and TextilesObject Location:
Currently not on view
Accession Number:1974-3-2a--eCredit Line:
Gift of Hess's Department Store, Allentown, 1974
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This ensemble was inspired by the extravagant costumes and makeup of Japanese Kabuki theater, stylized drama that often parodies the lifestyle of the nobility. The appliqués on the cape depict popular Kabuki characters and a Japanese mask kite. The bodysuit is knitted with the face of a Kabuki samurai actor, presaging the patterned knits for which Kansai became known in the late 1970s and 1980s. The high-heeled clogs are modeled after traditional Japanese okobo, black lacquered platform geta with red straps worn during the summer by apprentice geisha.
