Surcoat or Vest
Late Edo Period (1603–1867)/Early Meiji Period (1868–1912), 19th century
Medium
Stencil on Japanese paper (probably kozo fiber)
Dimensions
68.6 × 63.5 cm (27 × 25 in.)
Classification
textile
Department
Textiles
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
222230
Rights
Public Domain
About this artwork
This garment may well date from the last years of the Edo period (1615-1868) since the two principal patterns—interlocking sircles on the interior and floral lozenges on the exterior—were restricted to certain classes during that era. This surcoat may be a version of a jinbaori, made at a time when samurai were bureaucrates, not warriors.
About the Artist
Unknown
The artist designated as "Unknown" in our virtual museum's collection exemplifies a poignant chapter in art history: creators whose identities have faded into obscurity despite the enduring power of their work. With only one known artwork attributed to them in our holdings, this figure represents countless anonymous hands that shaped visual culture across centuries. Museums worldwide, including th...