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Japanese kimono

Bruneau to auction Japanese kimono, textile collection Oct. 26

Tom Hoepf
Tom Hoepf
Japanese kimono
Circa 1890 Meiji Period hand-painted Furisode kimono, decorated with yuzen dye flowers rendered with multiple tones and depth accentuated by embroidery. Estimate: $2,000-$3,000). Bruneau & Co. image

CRANSTON, R.I. – Part of the astounding single-owner collection of Alexander Murray of New York City, including more than 50 pieces of one-of-a-kind, hand-made textiles spanning 250 years of Japanese history, will come up for bid at an auction scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 26, by Bruneau & Co. Auctioneers. Bid absentee or live online through LiveAuctioneers.

The Murray collection at one time featured more than 1,000 pieces, including kimono, obi, theatrical costumes and kesa from the Edo, Meiji, Taisho and Showa periods. The offerings in the Bruneau catalog represent 52 exquisite examples. Also offered will be over 250 Japanese scroll paintings and over 20 bronze and iron antique Buddha figures.

The Katonah Museum of Art in Katonah, New York, featured these very kimonos as part of its Lethal Beauty Exhibit of Samurai Weapons and Armor from Oct. 12 through Jan. 4, 2015. The Nippon Gallery in New York City exhibited the offered collection of kimonos as part of its Essence of Kimono exhibition in July and August of 2013.

Japanese kimono
Edo Period embroidered Uchikake kimono, circa 1840, hand-woven pale gray silk with gold thread cranes, gold couching and pale pink cherry blossoms. Estimate: $1,500-$2,500. Bruneau & Co. image

The textiles collection is unmatched in its breadth and diversity, representing every type of weaving, dyeing and decorative technique in silk, cotton, hemp, ramie and wool.

“Asian arts have always been a specialty of mine, and this sale hits me right in the sweet spot,” said Kevin Bruneau, president of Bruneau & Co. Auctioneers. “Plus, Alex is a great guy to work with and we couldn’t be prouder to represent the collection. High fashion has come to Bruneau.”

Travis Landry, a Bruneau & Co. auctioneer and specialist, added, “Auctioneering this sale is certainly going to hold some surprises, especially when it comes to the scrolls. I’m very curious to see what pops and what doesn’t. I’m sure out of 253 scrolls there are bound to be some gems.” Landry added that the original paintings have estimates ranging from $50-$10,000.

Kimonos promise to be a major attraction. A circa 1890 Meiji Period hand-painted Furisode kimono, lined with a striking brocade and boasting a 49½-inch wingspan, is estimated to bring $2,000-$3,000. The hand-woven light blue silk crepe five crested kimono is decorated with yuzen dye flowers rendered with multiple tones and depth accentuated by embroidery.

Japanese kimono
Edo Period embroidered Uchikake kimono, circa 1840, hand-woven red silk crepe with finely rendered cranes and foliage, gold thread accents, couching. Estimate: $1,500-$2,500. Bruneau & Co. image

Several pieces date to Japan’s Edo Period (1603-1868) and include these fine offerings:

– Embroidered gold crane Uchikake kimono, circa 1840, hand-woven pale gray silk with hand embroidery of gold thread cranes, gold couching and pale pink cherry blossoms; 49-inch wingspan, 23-inch body, 63-inch length (est. $1,500-$2,500).

– Embroidered cranes Uchikake kimono, circa 1840, hand-woven red silk crepe with beautifully rendered hand-embroidered cranes and foliage, gold thread accents and couching. 49¼-inch wingspan, 24-inch body, 62-inch length (est. $1,500-$2,500).

– Circa 1800 purple silk brocade Kesa textile, hand-woven with rich gold thread flowers throughout, measuring 44 inches by 44 inches (est. $1,500-$2,500).

Japanese kimono
Edo Period circa 1800 purple silk brocade Kesa textile, hand-woven with rich gold thread flowers throughout, measuring 44 inches by 44 inches. Estimate: $1,500-$2,500. Bruneau & Co. image

For details contact Bruneau & Co. Auctioneers at info@bruneauandco.com or 401-533-9980.

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