Nakano Kazuko Collection of Childrenπs kimonos

Japan, a country in which sartorial culture occupies a very important place and reaches the height of elegance, has for many millennia born witness to a distinctive taste for children’s clothing. Certain children’s kimonos from the 16th and 17th centuries, most certainly designed to be worn by children of noble families and preserved nowadays in Shinto and Buddhist temples, encapsulate this strong attachment.
The patterns that were incorporated into the kimonos, dyed or embroidered are rich in meaning: they can represent good health; rocks for strength, kindness, intelligence, prosperity or even beauty. The typical patterns that appear on children’s kimonos include turtles, cranes, bamboo, pine trees and chrysanthemums, all of which serve as symbols for the aforementioned qualities.
The Kazuko Nakano collection contains several hundred children’s kimonos, ranging from the end of the Edo period to the beginning of the 20th century. She has build up the collection with care, and with the same love that we give to children and accord to mothers throughout the centuries...

The Kazuko Nakano collection contains several hundred children’s kimonos, ranging from the end of the Edo period to the beginning of the 20th century. Mrs Nakano has build up the collection with care, and with the same love that we give to children and accord to mothers throughout the centuries...