Past Exhibitions
- Japanese Children's Clothing
- July 26, 2017 - September 3, 2017
Since time immemorial, parents have prayed for their children to grow up healthy and happy. Though today there is often no clear symbolism in children’s clothing, in earlier times in Japan, at birth or for other important life milestones, children were dressed up in special outfits that were almost invariably decorated with auspicious designs. Such celebratory garments enveloped the children in the wishes and hopes of their parents.
This exhibition features formal children's costumes worn by the aristocracy and warrior elite from the Edo period (1615–1868) and thereafter, as well as the finest clothes worn by children of commoners for special occasions. You may notice variations among the clothing made in different time periods for children of different social classes, as well as the thoughts and feelings of parents expressed in the garments’ patterns.
Back to Top