Kimono

This is the gallery of Chiso, which has made kimonos for over 450 years.
The gallery has assembled a vast collection of Japanese art from the time the company was founded to the modern era, and this art is constantly changed around and shown to the general public. The gallery's collection is particularly well-known for its large quantity of precious kimonos and materials, which is one of the principal collections in Japan.
It holds exhibitions several times a year, and a workshop is occasionally held to allow visitors a chance to experience firsthand "yuzen-zome" (stencil dyeing), one of the techniques to dye kimono patterns. The gallery includes a shop which handles museum goods.

The Collections

The gallery has a large collection of precious kimonos and dyed or woven fabric works which cannot be obtained today. There are pieces from all periods dating back over 400 years to the modern age, allowing visitors to fully appreciate Japanese fashion history and the world of beautiful kimonos.
The gallery's extensive collection includes materials such as a collection of kimono designs drawn hundreds of years ago and paintings by Japan's leading artists. In Kyoto, famous painters are often involved in designing kimonos, and these rough sketches are included in the gallery's collection.

 

 

Notes

There is a cafe downstairs where visitors can taste an assortment of Kyoto's teas, and it is popular with locals as well as tourists. Nearby, there is a cafe, restaurant and other stores located in an old brick building, and the Museum of Kyoto is also within walking distance.

Situated in a historical machiya townhouse built in 1926, this art museum provides exhibitions of kimonos and nagajuban. A nagajuban is a kimono-like garment worn under the kimono. Even though it can only be seen slightly from the cuff, this in itself is said to stand out. The Museum has a vast collection of unique nagajuban from the Taisho and Showa periods featuring patterns such as a world map, airplane, Mickey Mouse, and playing cards.
The 1st floor Japanese-style room exhibits the museum's collection of splendid folding screens and artworks throughout the year. It recreates the Byobu (folding screen) Festival conducted by old Kyoto families during the Gion Festival held every July. On the 2nd floor early 20th century works are exhibited, focusing mainly on nagajuban and related materials. Reprints of old kimono designs are exhibited and on sale in one of the storehouses.
Designated by Kyoto City as a tangible cultural property, the building has a very unique design that combines a Japanese-style house and western-style rooms.

The Collections

The 1st floor Japanese-style room serves as a large hall, where the Museum's collection of art works are exhibited. These exhibits are changed every season. The collection chiefly consists of works produced from the mid-Edo period (circa 18th century) to the early Showa period (early 20th century). Exhibited nagajuban are mainly works from the late 19th century to the early 20th century. Designs from this period used flamboyant colors and many featured modern and unique designs which are fun simply to look at.

 

 

Notes

The museum is located in a historical town that was once the home to many merchants. There are still many stores that handle kimono and Japanese-style accessories. The area becomes very crowded around July when the Gion Festival takes place.