Girl's Baby Carrier Cover (Miyamairi). c. 1920-1930. Stenciled paste resist (yuzen-zome) on woven silk. Neusteter Textile Collection: Gift of Jonathan and Dale Carolyn Gluckman. 2011.399.

height: 44 in, 111.7600 cm; width: 32 in, 81.2800 cm; overall length: 44 1/2 in, 113.0300 cm

Avenir Institute of Textile Arts and Fashion

Textile Arts and Fashion-Asian

When taken to the Shinto shrine for its miyamairi presentation, a baby was carried facing its grandmother’s chest and draped as seen in the accompanying illustration. False seams (semamori), usually at the nape of the neck, allowed a vent for evil spirits to escape, while a “dragon eye” talisman embroidered on the front where the straps attach to the robe, guards against goblins and spirits. The red color and floral motifs were suitable for a girl.

Purchased 1980s by Dale C. Gluckman in Tokyo; given December 2011 by Dale C. Gluckman [Los Angeles, CA, b. 1944] to the Denver Art Museum.

• "Cover Story," May 17, 2013 - April 27, 2014 (DAM)