Kosode is a T-shaped garment, its name coming from the short sleeves, ko means “small” and sode “sleeve". It was used originally by the court nobles of the Heian Period, as undergarment, under an ōsode, a garment with large sleeves.

With time, kosode evolved into a daily clothing, while the ōsode was used only as formal robe. Finally, during the Edo Period, kosode was replaced by the today’s well known kimono.

Kosode, Tokyo National Museum, Tokyo, Ueno

EXIF Info:

Yesterday’s Japan Photo: Kyoto Fushimi Sake Brewery