TOPIC OF THE WEEK JULY 24. 2020~

KIMONO: Fashioning Identities

The kimono is one of Japan’s most iconic symbols, its colors and designs exemplifying Japanese cultural sensibilities and aesthetics. Lesser known, however, is that, the kimono originated as an undergarment. The predecessor to today’s kimono is a robe called the kosode (literally, “small sleeve openings”). The kosode first came into its own as an outer robe in medieval Japan during the Muromachi period (1392−1573). It was decorated accordingly with lavish dyed, embroidered, and gold or silver patterns.
Avila Giro´n, a Spanish trader who stayed in Japan during the end of 16th century to the beginning of the 17th century, described in his report, ‘Relacio´n del Reino de Nippon a que llaman corruptamente Jappon’, that “Japanese kimonos are made of fine silk, dyed with dazzling colors and embroidered with gold and silver patterns.”
Decided into five chapters; The Birth of Kimono as Fashion, Kyo (Kyoto) Style and Edo (Tokyo) Style, Man of Style, Modern Kimono, Today’s Kimono, this exhibition traces the kimono from its inception some eight hundred years ago to its role today as a symbol of Japanese culture with increasing sway on the contemporary fashion scene.
Featuring some of the finest extant textiles, paintings, prints and other artworks drawn from collections in Japan and around the world, KIMONO: Fashioning Identities promises to be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to consider the past, present, and future of this quintessential Japanese garment.

KIMONO: Fashioning Identities

Date: − August 23, 2020 (Sun)
Venue: Heiseikan, Tokyo National Museum (Ueno Park) (Closest Sta.: Ueno)
Hours: 9:30−18:00 *The regular exhibitions are open untill 17:00.
Closed: Mondays (Except for August 10) , August 11
Adults: 1700 yen University students: 1200 yen High school students: 900 yen Junior high school students and under: Free *Online reservations required.

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