ART DECO 1924-1937
Art Deco, the direct descendant of Art Nouveau, was first introduced to the world at the International Exhibition of Modern Decorative and Industrial Arts in Paris in 1925. In Japan, this new style flourished in book design and illustration, applied arts, and pattern designs. Illustrative material and art magazines brought back by Japanese artists studying in the West provided inspiration. In Japan, Art Deco took on another dimension—often the old designs seen in traditional crafts were fused with contemporary Western designs.
Silk Haori, Meisen technique, probably Taisho Era
In an Art Deco design, a haori incorporating the fan, a frequent Japanese motif, portrays luxury, glamour, and exuberance, as does the theater auditorium mural pictured here. Typical of Taisho style, the fans are enlarged beyond the point recognition, instead becoming interesting graphic elements. Large, overlapping motifs over the entire kimono is a hallmark of design in the modern period.
John Gabriel Beckman, muralist
Avalon Theater, 1929
Catalina Island, California, United States
Silk Kimono, Taisho Era
Architectural detail from the Art Deco period is reflected in many Taisho Era designs, and this kimono is an excellent example of that influence.
Douglas Dacre Stone architect
Mary A. Bowles Building, 1931
Oakland, California, United States
Silk Kimono, Meisen technique, probably Taisho Era
Private Collection
A kimono mimicking the zigzag geometry of Art Deco design, as well as the multiple perspectives of Cubism, making it difficult to categorize. It seems to incorporate two modern art styles and a traditional Japanese design. Art Deco was largely based in Cubism, so to see them combined is not surprising. The triangle of flowers is a common Japanese design on kimono; however the style of the flowers is Art Deco, as are the colors.
Wiley G. Clarkson, architect
Sinclair Building, 1930
Fort Worth, Texas, United States
Slik Kimono, Taisho or early Showa Era
The woven design of this kimono incorporates two ubiquitous motifs from the Art Deco period: three wavy lines, and the lightning bolt.
Art Deco Architectural detail
Liverpool, England
Kodak Art Deco Lightning Bolt Folding Camera
United States
Silk Juban (Under Kimono), Meisen technique, Taisho or early Showa Era
Juban, an undergarment seen only by the wearer and their intimates, became lavishly decorative during the early Meiji Era, when conservative sartorial restrictions were still in effect for the citizenry. By the Taisho Era, they became a canvas for the latest movements in modern design.
Fabbrica Seterie Riccardo Matero Snc,
Silk textile design, 1937-40
Italy
Unknown designer
Silk textile design, 1930s
France or United States
Silk Kimono, Taisho Era
This kimono’s architectural surface design reflects the Art Deco detail used on the most design-forward buildings of the era.
K.E. Westerlind, architect
The Badgerow Building, 1933
Sioux City, Iowa, United States
Unknown Designer
Textile design, 1930s
Germany
Silk Haori, probably Taisho Era
In Paris in the 1920s and 30s, advertising posters in Modernist style blanketed the streets in a cultural artistic phenomenon. French business and industry were the first to use Modernism, especially Cubism, in Europe, in its publicity campaigns. Graphic design was a new artistic discipline, and was instrumental in spreading Art Deco style.
Airbrush technique was used extensively to great effect, and A.M. Cassandre was the premier designer of these posters in Paris.
This haori, while not airbrushed, incorporates its style, giving dimension to an otherwise flat surface.
A. M. Cassandre
Statendam Holland-America Line poster, 1928.
France