Cherry Blossom and Rabbit in the Moon – Kimono motifs throughout the year (part 2): Short online lecture 
Zoom Japan B: Tue Mar 18, 2025, 7:30 – approx. 8:00 pm
Language of the lecture: German – Further lectures in this series: Tue Apr 8, 2025 (online) and Tue Jun 24, 2025 (in presence); past lecture: Tue Feb 18, 2025 (online). – The lectures each have a different content.

Even though Western clothing found its way into Japan in the second half of the 19th century with the opening to the West, the kimono (着物 literally: “piece of clothing”) remained an integral part of the Japanese wardrobe until the middle of the 20th century. Even today it is considered the epitome of Japan, we now encounter it mainly on special occasions or when practicing traditional art forms and its colors and patterns often delight the eye. Additional items such as the kimono belt (obi), but also scarves, cords and collars play an important role in the overall visual impression: a kimono ensemble is a total work of art on the body!
When limited to the visual aspect, it is easily forgotten that decoration has meaning. Motifs once triggered associations and emotions in the educated observer that are no longer a given today. For example, they can convey moods, indicate sophistication, show solidarity, express hopes, announce changes or convey good wishes. Nature and the season play an important role here, serving not only as a criterion for choosing the right kimono, but also as a source of ideas for patterns, as orientation in everyday life and much more.
This series of lectures invites you to discover the diverse and colorful world of motifs of kimono decoration and its possibilities for non-verbal messages using numerous image examples in three online short lectures and one lecture in presence (in German only).

Ill.: Purple furisode with black silhouette and flower © Kimono Collection Ruth Jäschke