Founded in 1555 in Kyoto’s Karasuma-Sanjo district, Chiso celebrates its 470th anniversary this year. To mark this milestone, Chiso Gallery will host “IZUMI KATO × CHISO: PAINTING IN KIMONO”, an exhibition showcasing works co-created with contemporary artist Izumi Kato. The works were crafted based on Kato’s sketches, employing 20 to 30 processes such as hand-painted Yuzen, shibori tie-dyeing and embroidery.

Production took place both at Chiso’s in-house workshop and at specialized studios throughout Kyoto Prefecture and involved the collaboration of over 20 highly skilled artisans. Notably, his distinctive motif known as “Hito-gata” (human figure) was painted by the artist himself. This marks a rare occurrence in Chiso’s long history, as non-Yuzen artisans seldom contribute directly to the dyeing process on kimono fabric.

Chiso began in the Muromachi period (1336-1573) as a purveyor of religious ceremonial garments. Guided by the philosophy that “tradition is not about preservation but about creation,” the company has always explored the leading beauty of its time. There is also a fact that, from the Meiji period (1868-1912) onwards, encounters with art expanded the possibilities of Kyo-Yuzen.The exhibition aims to envision a new future for the kimono and provide an opportunity for the creation of a diverse culture.

IZUMI KATO × CHISO：PAINTING IN KIMONO
2025.2.27 thu - 9.2 tue
10:00-17:00
at Chiso Gallery
Admission: Free Closed on Wednesdays

The gallery will close at 15:00 on March 1 (Sat.). It will be closed on March 8(Sat.) and March 9 (Sun.).
Additional schedule changes, including summer closures, may occur.

Chiso Gallery
2nd floor of the CHISO Flagship store
80 Mikuracho Sanjyo Karasuma
Nakagyo-ku Kyoto