The Art of Fashion | 17th–19th century
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Formal Outer Kimono (Uchikake) with Bamboo Curtains, Kusudama, and Cherry Blossoms
Edo period, 18th centuryJapanese Gallery (Honkan) Room 20
April 8, 2026 (Wed) - June 28, 2026 (Sun)Japan's traditional clothing, kimono, are based on kosode — the outer wear of the Edo period (1603–1868). At first, the court nobility and samurai wore kosode under other clothing. But from about the 15th century, the samurai began using them as daily outer wear. In the 17th century, kosode became the most common clothing for men and women of all classes.
Wealthy women placed orders for custom-made kosode at luxury clothing stores. They often chose the patterns from clothing design books that were published and widely circulated. Together with these kosode, they wore hairpins and combs to accent their elaborate hairstyles.
In contrast, men wore kosode with understated patterns like stripes or checks.
Their usual fashion accessories were a small case (inrō) and a toggle (netsuke) for securing the case to the sash. This gallery features kosode and accessories, together with prints and paintings (ukiyo-e) showing how people wore them and how fashions changed over time.
| Designation | Name | Creation/ Excavation/ Provenance |
Period | Acquisition/ Ownership/ Accession Number |
CMT | ||
| Highlight | Formal Outer Kimono (Uchikake) with Bamboo Curtains, Kusudama, and Cherry Blossoms | Edo period, 18th century | I-1077 | ||||
| Highlight | Kimono (Kosode) with Lilies, Violets, and Dandelions | Edo period, 18th century | I-2921 | ||||
| Highlight | Case (Inrō) with Ancient Ink Cake | Meiji era, 19th century | H-104 |