古今名物類しゅう|Kokon meibutsu rui shū, Vol. 2 (examples of old textile designs)

Art Historical Context

Step into the vibrant world of Edo-period Japan with *Kokon meibutsu rui shū, Vol. 2* (1789), a woodblock-printed book showcasing exquisite examples of traditional textile designs. Created by an unknown artist during the flourishing urban culture of the Edo period1615–1868), this volume compiles "famous things of ancient and times," preserving patterns that defined Japanese fashion and craftsmanship. From delicate florals to geometric motifs, these illustrations reflect the era's obsession with kosode—early kimono robes—whose bold, colorful designs were status symbols in bustling cities like Edo (modern Tokyo). Woodblock printing, the book's medium, was revolutionary for its time, enabling affordable mass production of detailed images on washi paper. Artisans carved intricate designs into wooden blocks, inking and pressing them layer by layer to achieve rich colors and precision. Measuring just 8 7/8 × 6 5/16 inches, this compact treasure was likely a reference for dyers, weavers, and merchants, democratizing access to elite aesthetics. Today, housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Asian Art Department (gift of Betty and Paul Nomura, 2018), it offers a window into Japan's enduring textile heritage, where art intertwined with daily life and commerce. A testament to Edo ingenuity!