Order Book of Kosode Patterns (Chūmon no hiinagata/Hiinagata chūmon chō) 1716

This is a woodblock printed book of kosode patterns by Imura Katsukichi, made in Japan between 1700 and 1716. The kosode was a short-sleeved kimono worn by all classes in Japan, and pattern books like this allowed consumers to choose designs. These pages offer a fascinating glimpse into the social and economic structures of the Edo period. The left page depicts women, presumably from wealthier families, gathered to select patterns. On the right, artisans are shown at work creating the textiles. Note the implicit class distinctions: the consuming elite and the working producers. The presence of pattern books reflects a growing consumer culture and the increasing availability of fashionable goods. To better understand these images, we might consult period diaries, trade records, and studies of the textile industry. The historian seeks to contextualize art within its specific time, revealing how artworks both reflect and shape the society that creates them.