With the hotpots, we can look more closely at the details of the Worcester Wedding Kimono. Click on the hotspots to learn more. 

The Worcester Wedding Kimono was designed by Chiso, a famous company that has designed kimono in Kyoto, Japan since 1555. The designer of this kimono came to visit Worcester, Massachusetts and looked for connections between Worcester and Kyoto. He enjoyed seeing the fall maple leaves in Massachusetts, as fall maple leaves are celebrated in Japan as well. 

The octagons on this kimono create a maple leaf pattern. The octagon - with its 8 sides -represents the number eight, a symbol of abundance in Japan. It is also the symbol of the Chiso.

A design element of the Worcester Wedding Kimono is gold leaf. Crushed gold is brushed onto the kimono. You can see a detailed image of the gold leaf here.

The kimono maple leaf pattern has changing colors as part of its design. The colors we see are red, orange, yellow, and green. These colors represent the colors we see in Japan and America as the seasons change. The color pattern brings together the two countries.

Looking at the kimono in this image, it is easy to see that a kimono is made from one piece of material. Kimono are garments made from a single bolt of cloth. The Worcester Wedding Kimono is made from silk fabric.

This image shows Chiso senior designer, Imai Atsuhiro, drawing the design for our kimono. This 

 was created to show connections between Kyoto and Worcester. Kimono usually contain symbols that are important to the person who will wear it. Think of symbols you would want to put on a kimono. Your teacher can provide you with a page to create your own kimono design.

The main image we have been looking at to look at the design of the 

bolt of cloth is cut into seven straight pieces: 

extending up the front, over the shoulder, and down the back—to create the body; two for the sleeves; two for the overlaps; and a narrower panel for the neckband. They are worn wrapped left side over right and secured with a sash called an obi. The kimono looks like this image when it is worn. 

Standards for Creating the Worcester Wedding Kimono - A New Work of Art for the Museum

National Core Arts Standards