Maiwai (Fisherman's Ceremonial Coat)
Japan, Chiba prefecture, Maiwai (Fisherman's Ceremonial Coat), early 20th century, Plain-weave cotton with freehand paste-resist (tsutsugaki) and stencil-dyed paste-resist (katazome) design, Gift of Terry Welch, public domain, 2009.25.9
This work is not currently on view.
- Title
Maiwai (Fisherman's Ceremonial Coat)
- Related Titles
original language: 型染万祝着
- Artist
- Date
early 20th century
- Medium
Plain-weave cotton with freehand paste-resist (tsutsugaki) and stencil-dyed paste-resist (katazome) design
- Dimensions (H x W x D)
56 5/16 in x 50 in
- Collection Area
Asian Art
- Category
Clothing and Textiles
- Object Type
coat
- Culture
Japanese
- Credit Line
Gift of Terry Welch
- Accession Number
2009.25.9
- Copyright
public domain
- Terms
Meaning "myriad blessings," maiwai are ceremonial coats unique to the fishing villages of the Bōsō peninsula, east of Tokyo. Made to celebrate an extraordinary catch—the once-in-a-lifetime season at sea that guaranteed prosperity for years to come —they are quite rare.
The red crest at the upper back of the robe probably indicates a particular fishermen’s association, while the mysterious curved object floating in the sea is a shimenawa, a twisted straw rope used to mark the boundary of a sacred space.
