Kimono

This kimono is patterned throughout with tiny black and white checkers, along with paulownia flowers and leaves. The use of small checkered patterning (komon) was exclusive to the samurai class during the Edo period (1603–1868) and was seen only on the male formal garment (kamishimo). The pattern (which required a great deal of skill to execute), weave, and creped wefts of this textile combine to make an animated garment that reacts to movement and the play of light.