Robe late Edo period (1789–1868)/ Meiji period (1868–1912), 19th century

This robe was made by an Ainu artist. The Ainu are an indigenous people from Hokkaido, Japan, and surrounding areas. This robe features distinctive curvilinear designs, believed to have protective spiritual properties. These designs are not merely decorative; they are integral to Ainu cultural identity and spiritual beliefs. Traditionally, the Ainu saw the world as filled with spirits, and clothing was a way to mediate the seen and unseen. To understand this piece better, we have to research Ainu religious practices, social hierarchies, and trade relationships with their Japanese neighbors. The creation and use of robes such as this tell us a lot about the social and spiritual conditions that shaped Ainu artistic production and the politics of imagery in their society.