fringed sash (for 0000.1126), unknown maker from Japan

Exhibition Label:
"Tradition and Modernity: Japanese Art of the Early Twentieth Century," Jan-2005, Hillary Pedersen
Although features of this garment resemble those of women’s traditional Japanese kimono, it was most likely produced for the Western market. The long, hanging sleeves, upright collar and stuffed bottom hem are all aspects of traditional Japanese kimono. The two identical mon, or family crests, on either side of the chest are examples of designs used in Japan since the tenth century to identify items as belonging to a certain individual or family. However, the long, narrow, soft sash with fringed, knotted ends would not have been used in Japan to tie a silk kimono. Traditionally, an obi or wide, stiff sash would be wound multiple times around the midsection, secured with multiple cords, and tied in a decorative manner in the back.