Working & creating new artworks for my spring exhibition in Switzerland, Ticino and Kyoto.
Please, stay tuned!

春の展示会のために今作成中です。お待ちください

A kimono — literally translated as “the thing worn” — is a traditional Japanese garment defined by its straight seams, “T” shape, and intense decorative detail. Although it’s been in existence since the late eighth century, it wasn’t until the late 16th century that the articles of clothing began to resemble the long, hanging ensembles we recognize today.   
Before they were known as kimono, Japanese robes were known primarily as kosode, or “small sleeves,” and osode, “long sleeves.” These distinctions did not refer to the sleeves themselves, but rather the size of the armholes. Eventually, the kosode superseded the osode as the main garment worn by the rich and powerful, and, before long, became the main item of dress for all classes and both sexes in Japanese society. 

Toward the end of the 19th century, the influence of Western culture surged into Japanese life, shaping popular clothing options to closer resemble European and American garb. However, as more and more Japanese individuals opted for Western clothes, Western cultural spheres became transfixed with traditional aspects of Japanese art, culture and style — kimono included. Thanks to the obsession — called Japonisme, and propelled by artists including van Gogh, Monet and Renoir — a kimono fixation spread round the globe.

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