Exhibition

Exhibition

Kosode Reproduced from a Fabric Fragment
with an Ink Inscription
“Order Received from Fushimi-dono”
Dates: Tuesday, January 23 to Thursday, February 22, 2024

Closed: Sundays and national holidays
Opening hours: 10:00 - 17:00 (reception closes at 16:30)
Organizer: Marubeni Gallery

About this Exhibition

This exhibition features a kosode (short-sleeved kimono) fabric fragment produced during the Momoyama period (1573–1615 CE) in the tsujigahana style —a highly rare artifact belonging to the Marubeni Collection—and a faithful reproduction of the kosode from which it came. The project to create this reproduction was carried out over more than three years, from July 1996 to December 1999, to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the founding of Marubeni Corporation. Insofar as possible, Momoyama techniques were used for all steps of the reproduction process, from raising silkworms to spinning yarns, weaving by hand, steaming the fabric, sketching the design, stitching, binding, dyeing, and finishing. The fabric fragment on which the reproduction is based is particularly historically significant given the presence of the ink inscription upon it, which reads, “Order Received from Fushimi-dono.” The exhibition clarifies the background behind the inscription, positioning it within the context of the custom-made kimono production process of the Momoyama period, while also displaying other sample fragments of Momoyama-period tsujigahana textile to introduce this traditional technique more fully.

Prominent Works to be Displayed

Fragment of Kosode with Somewake Nerinuki Ground and Willow Motifs Within Islands (With “Order Received from Fushimi-dono” inscription)

The inscription “Order Received from Fushimi-dono” can be seen at the upper left edge of this fragment, a location corresponding to the left front panel of a kosode. The nerinuki ground was divided into red and light green areas using shaped resist dyeing.

Fragment of Kosode with Somewake Nerinuki Ground and Willow Motifs Within Islands

Kosode in Red and Green Nerinuki with Sides in Contrasting Colors and Divided into Serpentine Patterns and Floral Motifs

This kosode was recreated over the course of three years, starting in 1996, in its original form, based on scholarly information, as a project to commemorate the fiftieth anniversary of the Marubeni Corporation’s founding. The project restored one garment as faithfully as possible, using the materials and weaving and dyeing techniques of the Momoyama period.

Kosode in Red and Green Nerinuki with Sides in Contrasting Colors and Divided into Serpentine Patterns and Floral Motifs

Kosode Fragment with Military Gear Motif on Dark Blue Plain Weave Silk Ground

Two fragments have been sewn together. The fragment on the left is from the left front panel of the kosode. Part of an inscription can been seen on its upper left.

Kosode Fragment with Military Gear Motif on Dark Blue Plain Weave Silk Ground