Kosode

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

Perhaps even more astounding than the miniscule size of the pattern on this kosode is the evenness of execution. The robe features a dense pattern of cherry blossoms in dotted outline; they surround groups of butterflies consisting of tiny wing shapes with minute dots for antennae. It is likely that two stencils were employed to achieve this pattern, one for the blossoms and another for the butterflies. This kosode may have been worn by a commoner.

Asian Art

An exhibit at Metropolitan Museum of Art

The Met's collection of Asian art—more than 35,000 objects, ranging in date from the third millennium B.C. to the twenty-first century—is one of the largest and most comprehensive in the world. Each of the many civilizations of Asia is represented by outstanding works, providing an unrivaled experience of the artistic traditions of nearly half the world.

Metropolitan Museum of Art