Woven and Wrapped: Kimonos, Clothing and Culture of Early 20th Century Japan

Nov 11th - Feb 11th, 2012

Woven and Wrapped: Kimonos, Clothing and Culture of Early 20th Century Japan

Kimonos, first created in 600 B.C., are traditional Japanese wraparound garments made of vertical panels of cloth sewn together, bound with a sash (obi) and worn with a half-length jacket and a full-length under-robe.

Throughout the centuries, silk gauze or fine linen has been used to make kimonos for both street and formal wear. Styles have ranged from elaborately layered garments to simple silk robes. Improvements in dyeing processes have allowed for more colorful and detailed kimonos.

This exhibition will include kimonos and obis ranging from intricate wedding kimonos to more formal garments worn by single or married women while visiting. The wedding kimono is one of the most striking, with a red or white long outer robe that is decorated with embroidery or brocade. Two layers of white robes are worn underneath, and the bride wears a white hood.

The exhibition is prepared by Blair-Murrah, an exhibition service that provides a number of exhibits on a variety of historical and contemporary subjects to organizations throughout the world.

This exhibtion supported in part by Sacred Heart Health Systems.