Name/Title
Japanese Ainu Attush RobeEntry/Object ID
MK_0038Description
This vintage robe is part of the hotel's precious collection of five attush robes, crafted by the Ainu people, native to Japan's northernmost island, Hokkaido.
Ainu women used attush, a fabric made from soaking the soft inner strips of elm bark until it separates into fibres and can be woven, to make these distinctive robes that were meant to keep wearers warm, while also warding off evil spirits. The neck, sleves and hem are adorned with navy blue cotton applique and intricate embroidery. The imported Japanese cotton used to finish these peices is reflective of Japan's colonial annexation of Hokakaido and its increasing influence on the historically culturally distinct Ainu people from the late 19th century.
This treasured piece has been in the Mauna Kea's collection since 1965, when Laurance Rockefeller developed the hotel, and was very recently reframed showing the previously hidden, less sun damaged side.Made/Created
Date made
circa 1868 - 1912Place
Island/Archipelago
HokkaidoCountry
JapanContinent
AsiaDimensions
Height
52 inLength
53 inWidth
63-1/4 inDepth
5 inLocation
Area
6th Floor AtriumFloor
6th FloorBuilding
Main TowerArea
6th Floor AtriumFloor
6th FloorBuilding
Main Tower* Untyped Location
Storage ShedFloor
6th FloorBuilding
Main TowerFloor
6th FloorBuilding
Main Tower