Kimono by Balarinji and Jumbana Designs
Object No. 93/317/1
Kimono and packaging, womens, silk / paper, Atelier Moc / Balarinji / Jumbana Designs, Japan / Australia, 1992
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Summary
Physical Description
Kimono: traditional style, cherry red silk crepe printed with an Aboriginal design in red, green, yellow, purple, taupe and ochres with highlights in metallic colours. The design features traditional Aboriginal elements of dots, triangles, wave bands and concentric circles, the pattern is printed on the outer opposed edges of both sleeves (ie the left sleeve has the pattern facing the front, the right sleeve has the pattern facing the back). A similar motif is also printed vertically up the lower front left opening from the hem to knee height and extending around the back hemline. Inside the left front opening a similar, but simpler, design is printed in gold only. The kimono is 3/4 lined with plain white silk. Packaging: large, rectangular folded white rice paper envelope printed with large, scattered, gold and silver [chrysanthemum flower] rosettes. A small inset, clear plastic covered window at the lower front and a bold Japanese inscription in maroon, the corners are formed of brown paper, plain white cotton tape ties close the envelope.
PRODUCTION
Notes
The kimono was created for the launch of Balarinji's collections on the Japanese market. Its cross cultural imagery marks an important turning point in Australia's relatinship with Japan ie. Australian Aboriginal imagery is not just being sought as a souvenir but is being incorporated in the everyday clothing of Japanese men and women. The kimono was designed for a young girls 20th celebration. The bright colours and new design influence is part of a marketing strategy to entice the younger generation of Japanese women back to wearing traditional kimonos.
HISTORY
Notes
The kimono was shown at the Balarinji launch of it's spring/summer 1993 collections for the Japanese market in December 1992. It has featured in articles on Balarinji in Ita magazine in March 1993. The kimono was bought to Australia in July 1993 for a promotional photograph for JAL airlines . Australian Aboriginal Olympic athelte Cathy Freeman was photographed wearing the kimono and this image will appear in the JAL airlines in-flight magazine.
SOURCE
Credit Line
Purchased 1993
Acquisition Date
27 August 1993
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