The word kimono is a collective term for a variety of traditional pieces of clothing and can be translated as ‘thing to wear'. For the first time ever in the Netherlands, over 120 kimono, several haori (short jackets) and obi (broad brocade waist bands) provide an overview of Japanese fashion from the period 1900-1940.
Attention is paid to the specific role of the kimono within every day Japanese life, to its function and to how it is fabricated. The exhibition focuses strongly on the fascinating stories that are often portrayed on the inside of the luxurious silk. The Kunsthal pays considerable attention to Japanese Culture. Earlier exhibitions were ‘Manga' (2000), ‘Japanese Erotic Fantasies', a big survey on Japanese erotic art (2005) and in 2008 ‘A Brush with Animals', containing Japanese paintings from 1700 up to 1940.
Taishô Culture
As a result of the increasing prosperity in the Taishô period - the reigning period of Emperor Yoshihito (1912-1926) - more and more people are able to afford an expensive kimono. Artists are hired by department stores in order to design artistic patterns, resulting in an incredibly rich and high-quality supply. An important amount of the pieces of clothing put on display stems from the Taishô period. Characteristic for the Taishô culture is its predilection for traditional representations of amongst others flowers, common cranes, samurai and geishas, while showing a keen and vivid interest in Western patterns at the same time.
Publication
‘Taishô Kimono, Speaking of Past and Present' by Jan Dees
Skira Publishers, text in English (ISBN 10: 88-572-0011-6, ISBN 13: 978-88-572-0011-8)
About your visit
Frequently Asked Questions
Skip listThe Kunsthal is open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 10:00 to 17:00 hrs. The Kunsthal Café opens half an hour earlier, so you can visit from 9:30 hrs until half an hour after closing time. Check the current opening hours.
Yes, you need to book a ticket with a start time in advance. This also applies if you have a Museum card, Rotterdam pass, or VriendenLoterij VIP Card. This way, you are guaranteed admission and we can ensure that your visit is as pleasant as possible. Book your start time.
Yes, with an online ticket, you can visit all the exhibitions that are on display on the date of your visit. You can also stay as long as you like. You are welcome at the Kunsthal from your designated start time until closing time. Book your start time.
In de Kunsthal Rotterdam zijn altijd meerdere wisselende en contrastrijke tentoonstellingen tegelijk te zien. Een volledig overzicht van alle actuele tentoonstellingen vind je op de tentoonstellingspagina.