TNM×CPCP
The Kōrin Kimono Restoration Project

Object Outline

Important Cultural Property: Robe (Kosode) with Autumn Flowers
By Ogata Kōrin
L. 147.2cm yuki 165.1cm
Edo period, early-18th century (1701–1800)

The Important Cultural Property Robe (Kosode) with Autumn Flowers was designed by Ogata Kōrin, an Edo period artist who gave his name to the renowned Rinpa school.

Kōrin was born in Kyoto. He later went to Edo (as Tokyo was formerly known) and in 1709 he stayed at the house of a lumber merchant named Fuyuki family, located in the Fukagawa district. He drew this pattern for the wife of the merchant, which is why the garment is also known as the Fuyuki Kosode.

Garments with unique patterns or pictures painted directly onto the surface using ink or color were very popular among the wives of wealthy merchants. This trend explains why Kōrin was asked to draw this pattern on the kimono.

The back section features a vivid, well-balanced design of chrysanthemums, bush clovers and pampas grass. The gradations of indigo and black ink are accentuated by red and yellow shading.

The back section features a vivid, well-balanced design of chrysanthemums, bush clovers and pampas grass. The gradations of indigo and black ink are accentuated by red and yellow shading.

The Kōrin Kimono features autumn flowers such as chrysanthemums, bush clovers, bellflowers and pampas grass, all rendered using different shades of indigo. Balloon flowers unfurl across the upper section, while chrysanthemums and bush clovers bloom wildly from the waist downwards.

A glance at the overall design reveals a blank section around the waist where the obi belt was tied. KKōrin’s parents ran Karigane-ya, a kimono merchant that dated back to the Azuchi-Momoyama period (1573–1603). This probably explains how he was able to draw the pattern with such a clear image of how the garment would look when worn.

The Restoration of The Kōrin Kimono

East-Asian cultural properties are often made of fragile materials like wood, paper or silk. As such, they are prone to damage from light, heat and changes of temperature. At the Tokyo National Museum, we carefully control the heat, humidity, light, and the amount of harmful chemicals in the air to create optimal conditions for the preservation of these cultural properties, thus ensuring any wear and tear is minimized. However, restoration work is necessary if an object has suffered particular damage through the passing of time.
Periodic restoration work is vital for maintaining our cultural properties in a good condition and ensuring they can be passed down to future generations.

Tokyo National Museum has pursued ongoing remedial conservation work using funds allotted from its budget. However, budgetary constrictions have left many cultural properties waiting for restoration work.
The Kōrin Kimono has also deteriorated over the years to the point where several stains and snapped threads are now visible. There are also traces of plain stitch used during a previous restoration to reinforce damaged fabric. This is now leading to new damage.

The white lining has been sewn up in a ragged manner using plain stitch.

The ground is damaged from the collar to the shoulder area.

The restoration project will take place over a period of two years from 2020. It will begin with the disassembly of the outer fabric, followed by the removal of the previous restoration, reinforcement and repair work, and the application of a new lining. It will then be returned to the Tokyo National Museum.
We are hoping to raise 15 million yen in donations to ensure the Kōrin Kimono can be passed down to future generations. Will you help us reach this goal?

Inquiries

The Kōrin Kimono Restoration Project Team

e-mail:

Information Based on the Specified Commercial Transactions

Details on Preferential Tax Treatments

Taxation on Contributions

The Independent Administrative Institution National Institutes for Cultural Heritage is a designated public-service promotion corporation. As such, individuals and corporates making contributions to National Institutes for Cultural Heritage can receive preferential income and resident tax treatment separate from other general donations. Contributions to The Kōrin Kimono Restoration Project are eligible for this preferential tax treatment.
*If you pay income tax in Japan and wish to receive a Certificate for a tax deduction, please refer to the Inquiries tab to contact us after confirming your donation.

How to Apply for Preferential Tax Treatment

Please submit the Donation Acceptance Certificate or the Receipt issued by National Institutes for Cultural Heritage when filing your taxes. These documents are needed to receive preferential tax treatment, so please store them securely.

About Preferential Tax Treatments (Deductions)

Contributions to designated public-service promotion corporations are eligible for the following preferential tax treatment.

Individuals

When an individual makes donations to a public-service promotion corporation, the amount paid is treated as a "designated donation" and a certain amount is subject to tax deduction following appropriate procedures. This system allows either [the sum of total donation made during the year] or [Amount equal to 40% of total income] (Applied to the lower amount of the two) minus 2000 yen to be deducted from taxes.

Ex)

• If total annual income is 8,000,000 yen:
  40% of total annual income = 3,200,000 yen
• Tax deducted in this case is calculated as follows:
  If total amount of donation is 50,000 yen; (50,000 yen - 2,000 yen = 48,000 yen)
  If total amount of donation is 4,000,000 yen; 3,200,000 - 2,000 yen = 3,198,000 yen

Corporates

When a corporate makes donations to a public-service promotion corporation, the amount paid can be listed separate from standard donations to receive preferential tax deduction. In addition, the revisions to the tax system in 2012 raised the deductible amount limit to allow for a further preferential treatment.
⇒Deductible tax amount = (Capital fund x 0.375% + 6.25% of Gross Income) x 1/2

How to Donate