Japan Society members are invited to a special guided visit to the exhibition Kimono: The Making of a Cultural Icon, currently being held at the Japanese Gallery. Take a journey through the history of the kimono, Japan’s quintessential and iconic garment, from the 8th to the 21st century, from aristocrats to working people.

Recent revivals of the kimono have shown it to be a dynamic and multifaceted garment that continues to respond to current fashions - as evidenced by designers such as Nange Magro and Dead Lotus Couture whose works feature in the exhibition. Showcasing the significance of the kimono in Japanese culture and history, as well as its relevance to current fashions, Kimono: The Making of a Cultural Icon features woodblock prints, vintage posters, photographs, physical installations, and AR.

A small group of Japan Society members are invited to join David Wertheim to follow the exhibition as it traces the changes in style and wear of the kimono as it responds to social, political, and cultural shifts through the centuries. To close the talk, participants will be given the unique opportunity to browse original Meiji-era woodblock albums of kimono designs.

Throughout his life-long engagement with the arts, David Wertheim has lectured, curated, and contributed to numerous exhibitions, whilst featuring in documentary programmes. Exhibitions and lectures held in various museums and galleries include the Ashmolean Museum, The School of Oriental & African Studies University of London, the Royal Academy, and Daiwa Anglo-Japanese, as well as commercial establishments such as Liberty’s™, Henry Sotherans of Piccadilly amongst others. TV appearances include the series The Private Life of a Masterpiece produced for BBC2, and broadcastin 2004 and 2009; interview by Art Historian Andrew Graham-Dixon in 2006 as part of the acclaimed series The Secret of Drawing, produced for the BBC by Oxford Films. His lifelong contribution and passion in the subject led to the establishment of Ezen Foundation - a forum for education and a culture led series of events to widen and deepen the appreciation of Japanese art and culture, where exhibitions, talks, and performances have inspired many since its formation.

If you have any questions, please call the Japan Society office on 020 3075 1996 or email events@japansociety.org.uk.

Booking Details
Free - Priority for Japan Society Members
Booking open to non-members from 30 September

Due to popular demand, we are pleased to announce an additional session.

Spaces are limited and therefore early booking is recommended to avoid disappointment.