Kimono with the Heron Maiden
(1925-1935)
- Medium
- silk, cotton
- Measurements
- 175.0 cm (centre back) 128.0 cm (cuff to cuff)
- Place/s of Execution
- Japan
- Accession Number
- 2023.240
- Department
- Asian Art
- Credit Line
- National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne
Purchased with funds donated by Berris Aitken, 2023 - Gallery location
- Special Exhibitions Gallery
Ground Level, NGV International - About this work
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This kimono is inspired by The Heron Maiden (Sagi Musume), a single-scene kabuki song-and-dance performance. First performed in 1762, it was regularly revived, and during the Taishō period (1912–26) became a popular subject of art and design. In the play, which is based on a ghostly folktale, a young man rescues a wounded white heron that transforms itself into a beautiful woman. He falls in love with her and they marry, but he soon realises that, despite their love, she remains a heron and must disappear forever. This kimono depicts the beautiful young maiden: the white robe is her wedding dress, while the dark obi symbolises death.