Posted by Allen A. on January 13, 1999 at 20:12:37:
In Reply to: Checkered or Plaid Kimono posted by Michael Johnson on January 13, 1999 at 15:20:46:
You raise an excellent question, Michael. Because the kimono was so important in Edo Period art (far more important than the human body itself--in sharp contrast to Europe of the same period with its emphasis on the nude) it came to be a focus for allusion and symbolism. Most often you'll find natural objects have seasonal references, setting the mood of the print. There are also many references to Chinese symbolism, particularly with animals. One of my favorite prints is a Chikanobu that shows a courtesan named "Jigoku Dayu" in a kimono that shows an elaborate scene of hell (jigoku), including souls being pounded in a mortar, and a giant Enma casting judgement--a bit more literal than most! When it comes to abstract patterns though, I think in most cases it's generally a question of what was fashionable. In Kuniyoshi prints the pattern you describe does give the women a sense of boldness and strength though. There may be abstract reasons like these for abstract patterns, as well as for color choices.
: I have seen anumber of prints depicting women in plaid Kimonos. I
: know that cranes, carp and other things depicted on
: clothing have symbolic meaning. I was wondering if there
: was a similar meaning for a checkered design or if it
: was just fashionable. I was also wondering if there was
: a reference that talks about the meaning of designs on
: clothing or typical Japanese symbols. Thanks Michael