Costume and Textiles Cape, Bodysuit, Chaps, and Clogs Made in Japan1971 Designed by Kansai Yamamoto, Japanese, born 1944 Polyester satin, wool knit; lacquered wood, synthetic velvet Currently not on view 1974-3-2a--e Gift of Hess's Department Store, Allentown, 1974 |
LabelThis ensemble was inspired by the extravagant costumes and makeup of Japanese Kabuki theater, stylized drama that often parodies the lifestyle of the nobility. The appliqués on the cape depict popular Kabuki characters and a Japanese mask kite. The bodysuit is knitted with the face of a Kabuki samurai actor, presaging the patterned knits for which Kansai became known in the late 1970s and 1980s. The high-heeled clogs are modeled after traditional Japanese okobo, black lacquered platform geta with red straps worn during the summer by apprentice geisha. |
