Japanese Court Uniform
Take a closer look at the details and future plans for conserving this historic garment
Coatee, part of Court Dress suit for Japanese official (1900-40) by Densuke UyemuraHistoric Royal Palaces
This Japanese court suit, taireifuku, is made from a dark woollen cloth with a white silk lining. It has metal buttons and is embellished with gold raised-work embroidery. It is probably from the early 20th century.
The label inside the taireifuku shows it was made in Tokyo by the tailor D Uyemura probably in the early 20th century.
Coatee, part of Court Dress suit for Japanese official (1900-40) by Densuke UyemuraHistoric Royal Palaces
The taireifuku has an open neck and fastens with hooks and eyes at the front.
The Paulownia mon, here echoed both in the embroidery and the buttons, shows that the wearer was part of the Japanese civil government. We can tell from the number of petals on the Paulownia flower and the extensive gold scrollwork embroidery that he was a high-ranking official.
Curator examines an early 20th-century Japanese Court Dress hatHistoric Royal Palaces
The hat is a bicorn hat meaning it has two points. The cockade on the front has the same gold embroidery that is seen on the coatee. The hat is edged in white ostrich feathers.
Textile conservator working on a Japanese court dress coateeHistoric Royal Palaces
The team which cares for the Royal Ceremonial Dress Collection have visited Japan to understand more about this garment and prepare it for conservation. Conservator Kaori Motaung and Curator Matthew Storey explain more in the following video clip.
Japanese court suitHistoric Royal Palaces
Coatee, part of Court Dress suit for Japanese official (1900-40) by Densuke UyemuraHistoric Royal Palaces
The Royal Ceremonial Dress Collection contains many diplomatic uniforms. Which one will you discover next?
You are all set!
Your first Culture Weekly will arrive this week.