V&A Bookmark - Kimono

A kimono pattern from the V&A's collection — the kind of design where every motif carries meaning, and nothing is placed by accident.

The kimono is one of the most sophisticated garments ever made, and one of the most rewarding to look at. Its patterns follow the seasons, mark occasions, signal age and status, and draw on centuries of symbolism: cranes for long life, pine for endurance, blossom for the beauty of things that don't last. Because a kimono hangs as a flat rectangle of fabric, it works as a canvas in a way that tailored Western clothing never can — which is why kimono design has fascinated European artists and designers since Japan reopened to trade in the nineteenth century.

The V&A holds one of the finest collections of Japanese dress outside Japan, and mounted the landmark Kimono: Kyoto to Catwalk exhibition drawing on it.

A beautiful small gift for a lover of Japanese art and textiles, a maker, or anyone with a good eye for pattern.

Come and see the full V&A range in the shop in Canterbury — there's always more on the shelves than we can fit online.

Key features

• Kimono design from the V&A collection
• Japanese textile pattern, drawn from the museum's celebrated holdings of Japanese dress
• Officially licensed V&A product
• Perfect for lovers of Japanese art and design, textile enthusiasts and pattern fans
  

FAQ

• Where does the design come from? The V&A's collection of Japanese dress and textiles, one of the finest outside Japan.
• Why are kimono patterns significant? Motifs traditionally carry meaning — cranes for longevity, pine for endurance, blossom for transience — and patterns are chosen to suit the season, the occasion and the wearer.
• Is it an official V&A product? Yes, produced under licence from the Victoria and Albert Museum.
• Is it suitable as a gift? Yes — a lovely small gift on its own, and light enough to post inside a card.