Katabira Kosode summer kimono with shrine scenery
(early 19th century-mid 19th century)

• JAPANESE

This katabira lightweight summer kimono for a high-class samurai woman displays a Shinto shrine amongst clouds. Bridges across a flowing river lead to the shine’s torii gate and on to the shrine itself. Throughout the scene, pine trees, maple leaves and cherry blossoms present the changing seasons. Blue decoration on white kimono was popular during the Edo period (1600–1868), with the effect reminiscent of blue-and-white Arita porcelain ware.