Kimono Exhibition

Moga Girl by Kasen Ohira (ca.1930) The above print depicts a beauty dressed in the latest fashion style of the period. In the 1920s and 1930s such fashionable women were called ‘moga’ (abbreviation of 'modern girl'). This was Japan's equivalent...

Beauty in Summer Kimono by Kunichika Toyohara (1869) The beauty in this print is shown wearing a light summer kimono. The summer months can be extremely hot in Japan so this young woman is trying to find the best way...

Nobles in European Fashions by Chikanobu Toyohara (1899) Composed of Emperor Meiji, the Empress and their retinue, this party is on a walk along the Sumida river, admiring cherry blossoms. Ladies wear sumptuous Victorian dresses and hats while the emperor...

The Poet Ono no Komachi by Nobukazu Watanabe (1891) The famed poetess Ono no Komachi (c.825-c.900) is seen wearing the Heian Period junihitoe kimono. Poetic names were given to different combinations of twelve coloured layers, which were skillfully selected to indicate status...

Geisha with Musical Instrument by Eisen Keisai (c. 1820-1830)  Primarily musicians and entertainers, geisha can be identified by their simpler kimono, with obi belts tied at the back. In this print by Eisen Keisai (1790-1848) a geisha carries a musical instrument in a...

Beauty with Mirror by Hirano Hakuho (1932) Full of mystery, this rare print plays on the viewer’s sense of curiosity. Despite being portrayed in front of a mirror, we are not able to see the young lady’s face. Who is she?...