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2011 Hermès Scarf Ex-Libris en Kimonos - Explore the Japanese Kimono Art





In the art world, the fascinating Japanese kimono has always been a timeless and noticeable appeal. Ex-Libris en Kimonos was designed by Anamorphée for the French brand Hermès Fall/ Winter 2011 collection. In the Hermès booklet: Originally a maker of kimonos founded in 1611, the Japanese fashion house Matsuzakaya in Kyoto opened its archives for us. From this meeting, this scarf was born. Bearer of multiple messages, this article of clothing must fulfil several codes dictated by age or social status. A myriad of themes populates its patterns: flowers and plants, familiar animals, objects, phenomenal natural countryside, geometric shapes… all furnish inexhaustible sources of inspiration. Emblem of the house of Hermès, Ex-Libris illustrates the famous duc-carriage and groom, taking shape in a patchwork of silk.









As described in the Hermès booklet,  the owner uses a stamp or a plate to be an ex-libris refers identifies in a book. Bibliophile Émile-Maurice Hermès chose a drawing by Alfred de Dreux (1810-1860) from his collection to be his ex-libris in 1923. The famous Duc attelé, groom à l'attente, has since become the emblem of the house. 



                        

In Zen Buddhism, a circle has no beginning or end and is, therefore, a symbol of infinity. The ring in the carré contains the patterns of Kikko, the hexagon shape of the tortoiseshell, which represents longevity.





The circle embraced the Ex-Libris, Collier de Chien’s adornment, and an “H.” All three of the iconic motifs cover the Asanoha and the Sakura. The plant of Hemp has excellent vitality. Asanoha, the Hemp leaf pattern carries the best wish to the newborns, and may the child grow up to be healthy and strong. The Sakura is a Japanese national flower, and the Japanese have favoured cherry blossoms since the Heian period. 




                                 

Behind the Ex-libris, a bamboo grove next to the Ichimatsu pattern.
Bamboo is a symbol of purity and innocence in Japan.






            
The checkered Ichimatsu has been a typical woven pattern since ancient times. It features in the logos for the 2020 Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games.


   


                                                               

Japan is the largest island country in East Asia, and the archipelago consists of 6852 islands. The Japanese ocean painting has a very long and rich history. They inspire by the most instantly recognized Japanese artwork globally - The Great Wave, a woodblock print by the Japanese ukiyo-e artist Hokusai. The artist Anamorphée depicted the waves from an aerial view. The waves filled in the carré and were framed by the Peony leaves. Above the waves, the evergreen pines (Matsu) means “waiting for the soul of a god to come from heaven” in Japanese. At the bottom left of the Ex-libris, Anamorphée created the sea with the Kanoko pattern, the crest of the wave framing flower in the background. The Kanoko pattern is considered a luxury item amongst the kimono fabric because of the complex handicraft tie-dying technique.

                      

                        Photo credit to Wiki

  

                                      

As a symbol of love and longevity in Japan, the strong and graceful red-crowned crane is a trendy wedding kimono pattern. In the Japanese myth, the crane is one of the sacred creatures that can live for 1,000 years. Over the years, the crane has emerged as a favourite motif of traditional paper fold origami. 




Hermès introduced the history of the Kimonos motif to the world with Matsuzakaya. The Ex-libris en Kimonos became the favourite of the art collectors over the years.





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Le Jardin de Cloud

Hermès Scarf Ex-Libris en Kimonos







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  1. Purs(e)uer24 July 2021 at 05:50

    Happy to see your blog is up and running again- you and your detailed information and insight have been missed!
    Thanks, Katja

    ReplyDelete
  2. CloudWei.C24 July 2021 at 12:56

    Many thanks dear Katja! I am so happy to see you and your wonderful posts too!

    ReplyDelete

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