Kosode Pattern Book

This image shows a few sketches of patterns for kosodes. The one on the left has lighter strokes that form the shape of a plant with leaves and fines drooping down on the kosode. On the right, there are darker strokes with a more variety of patterns. At the top, there are triangles alternating from light to dark colors. As we pan down the kosode, the middle section displays varying types of flowers. Then, at the bottom, another dark and light pattern is shown. Patterns were divided by class and rank during the Edo period. Judging by the patterns on these two pages, this pattern book was most likely intended for wealthier townswomen in japan by the simplicity of the motifs such as flowers, but the variation of patterns and use of many colors. The pattern shown at the bottom of the kosode on the left can be seen in the artwork Pilgrimage to Myōhōji in Horinouchi, Edo. This pattern is worn by wealthy women of higher status visiting a temple. Ashley Brascher Image from the MET collection