Kosode Garment with Snowflake and Globeflower

Kosode, the origin of Kimono, was worn as an outer garment since the 16th century. This kosode garment was dyed with the yūzenzome dyeing technique, which was one characteristic Japanese dyeing method that allows for the creation of beautiful patterns in many colors that never fade when washed. Yūzenzome began in the 17th century. Yūzenzome dyers apply rice starch over the outlines of the design on the fabric, which is different from the wax used in batik. The lines covered with starch prevent the pigments from spreading onto other areas of the fabric. Japanese dyers succeeded in producing color-fast dyed silk textiles by steaming the cloth for about one hour. At the end of the process, after the starch was washed out, the natural white color of the fabric would be left visible. The colorful graduated design was created by using a brush. The pattern of large accumulating snowflakes is gently accentuated by the design of gracefully rustling globeflowers.