Decortype › Textiles & Embroidery › Resist-Dye & Ikat

Yūzen / kosode

Japan tradition · 5 examples · indicative market tier: $5k–50k (serious collector)

Yūzen (友禅) is a Japanese resist dyeing technique where dyes are applied inside outlines of dyed or undyed rice-paste resist, which may be drawn freehand or stencilled; the paste keeps the dye areas separated. Originating in the 17th century, the technique became popular as both a way of subverting sumptuary laws on dress fabrics, and also as a way to quickly produce kimono that appeared to be painted freehand with dyes. The technique was named after Miyazaki Yūzen (宮崎友禅), a 17th century fan painter who perfected the technique. Wikipedia →

Types & examples

Kosode
Kosode
The Met
Uchikake (Over Kimono)
Uchikake (Over Kimono), late Edo (1789–1868)/Meiji period (1868–1912), 19th century
Art Institute of Chicago
Kosode
Kosode, late Edo period (1789–1868)/ Meiji period (1868–1912), 19th century
Art Institute of Chicago
Kosode
Kosode, Edo period (1615–1868), 1775/1800
Art Institute of Chicago
Kosode
Kosode, Edo period (1615–1868), 1775/1825
Art Institute of Chicago

Where to buy

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Each link opens a live, image-rich search for this craft on that marketplace. Listings rotate constantly; authenticate significant pieces independently — attribution quality varies widely outside museum collections.