Ueba Esou

Ueba Esou (植場 江漱, born December 25, 1904, died March 26, 1974) was a Japanese textile designer and artist prominent in the mid-20th century. He is best known for his innovative and modern designs applied to kimono fabrics and other textiles.

Esou studied at the Kyoto College of Arts and Crafts (now Kyoto City University of Arts) and later worked for a textile company before establishing his own design studio. He played a significant role in modernizing kimono design, moving away from traditional motifs and embracing more abstract and geometric patterns, often incorporating bold colors and unconventional compositions. His work reflected influences from Western modern art movements, such as Art Deco and Cubism, adapted to the aesthetic sensibilities of Japanese design.

Ueba's designs were highly regarded for their originality and artistic merit, and his textiles were sought after by those seeking contemporary and stylish kimono. He contributed significantly to elevating the status of textile design as an art form in Japan. He exhibited his works extensively, and his pieces are now held in the collections of major museums, including the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. Ueba Esou’s contributions to modern Japanese textile design continue to be recognized and celebrated.