Source : https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/53415

Spotlight: Poetic Images In The Karyukai - Tagasode As discussed a few weeks ago, there’s often some images in the karyukai that were once popular and known by all that are now almost forgotten (I’m referring to the Genji Mon debate). However, sometimes a kimono or an obi comes along that evokes both old imagery and instant knowledge as to what it represents, and this happens to be one of those examples. Looking at the obi, one just sees kimono folded over bamboo branches, but almost every person who is even remotely versed in classical Japanese literature or art will instantly recognize its significance! The imagery comes from a classic piece known as Tagasode (誰袖), which means “Whose Sleeves” that originated in the Momoyama Period (1573-1615). The first instance of its appearance was on a folding screen, and it was then copied again and again in various art forms to evoke a sense of knowledge in traditional arts. The theme of Tagasode itself was thought to come from a poem written in the Kokin Wakashū (古今和歌集) in 905 that says: Iro yorimo, 色よりも, More color, Ka koso aware to, 香こそあはれと,   Than perfume, Omohoyure, おもほゆれ, Primarily, Tagasode fureshi, 誰袖ふれし, Whose sleeves hang, Yado no ume zomo.  宿の梅ぞも. In the plum tree at the inn? The poem itself speaks about the kimono of lovers who are staying at an inn, away from their families and any duties that would otherwise keep them apart. The author wonders who they may be, and what kind of lives that they’re living away from this secluded place. Is it a nobleman and his mistress? A secret affair between two aristocrats? Nobody knows, but just the thought of who owns those sleeves is enough to evoke a sense of curiosity and spark the imagination. It’s a beautiful and elegant image that fits right into the karyukai and seems as though it’s part of a dance that a maiko or geiko would perform.  This beautiful obi is owned by the Ninben (亻) okiya in Gion Kobu and is worn by maiko Mametama (豆珠) in this image. The image itself is courtesy of Badbatsumaru on Instagram. The poem and some background information came from the Japanese Architecture and Art Net Users System (JAANUS), but the translation was done by myself.

Utagawa Toyokuni 歌川豊国 (1769 – 1825).

Source : http://www.aisf.or.jp/~jaanus/deta/t/tagasode.htm

Thème de peinture représentant un beau kimono着物 drapé sur un support en bois, Ikō 依桁.  Cela implique que le Tagasode représente une belle femme absente, puisque les belles manches évoquent l'image d'une femme élégante et le parfum de son kimono.

Gold leaf for phase 5 & 6 Tagasode. It adds an enhancement to the fabric and upcoming embroidery! #japaneseembroidery #goldleaf #tagasode #kimono https://www.instagram.com/p/BwSlM8SAb7d/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1itt8y9yb3lkp

Thème de peinture représentant un beau kimono 着物 drapé sur un support en bois, Ikō 依桁.  Cela implique que le Tagasode représente une belle femme absente, puisque les belles manches évoquent l'image d'une femme élégante et le parfum de son kimono.

Thème de peinture représentant un beau kimono着物 drapé sur un support en bois, Ikō 依桁.  Cela implique que le Tagasode représente une belle femme absente, puisque les belles manches évoquent l'image d'une femme élégante et le parfum de son kimono.