Page 199 - Edo: Art in Japan, 1615–1868

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log and depth of color. The manner of The yüzen method of paste-resist
Furisode with scenes of tea cultiuation the painting reflects that of the Maru- dyeing allowed painterly effects and
yama-Shijó school of naturalist reserved white areas to appear in
Early nineteenth century painters in Kyoto. This influence is the otherwise bright blue silk. A date
Paste-resist dye on habutae
158x132 (6274x52) evident in the mass and space evoked of the early nineteenth century is
Tokyo National Museum by the positioning and execution suggested by the concentration of
of the sheds and tea bushes. In addi- design around the skirt and lower
tion, the gradation of tone gives an edge of the sleeves. The understated
• This long-sleeved garment, called a impression of texture and depth. effect of the unembellished design
furisode, is paste-resist dyed with
scenes of women tending tea plants. The cool colors, habutae ground and the bucolic subject would have
Plants were shaded to slow growth (a soft, lightweight plain-weave silk), been considered elegant and fashion-
able during that period. HG
and enhance the tea's sweetness and theme of shading tea plants in
springtime combine to indicate the
season for this furisode to be worn.