Kosode: 16th - 19th Century Textiles from the Nomura Collection Book

The Nomura Shojuro (1879-1943) Collection is one of the finest and most extensive inventories of 16th through 19th century Japanese textiles. The focus of the collection is the kosode, or "small-sleeved robe", which was the forerunner of Japan's national dress, the kimono. The Nomura Collection comprises 156 whole robes and over 120 partial ones mounted on 100 two-panel screens, and reflects the bst in Japanese design and the highest achievements of the Japanese dyer's art

Rare and early kosode of the 16th and 17th centuries, known to have adorned some of the most resplendent personages of that age, lend particular distinction to this collection. The textiles are presently housed in the National Museum of Japanese History (Kokuritsu Rekishi Minzoku Hakubutsukan) in Sakura, Japan.

This book, published by Japan Society and Kodansha International on the occasion of an exhibition of the Nomura Collection at the Society's Japan House Gallery in New York City, presents in rich detail the technical and aesthetic evolution of the kosode. Thirty-four kosode screens and eighteen whole kosode are illustrated in full color and accompanied by descriptive captions. The authoritative text includes an essay on the life and work of Nomura Shojiro; a history of the evolution of the kosode as the principal form of clothing in Japan since the 16th century and a major artistic medium of the period; and a study of color and dyes in Japanese textiles. Appendices offer research on the provenance of certain robes; weave structures ; the kosode cut and format; and a chart of major dye formulas and color symbolism.

The book is available through Japan Society, New York, and Kodansha International, Tokyo, and New York.

by Amanda Mayer Stinchecum 

145260