In fact, many surviving kosode no longer retain their original form. Over time, they were altered to adjust their size or construction, or repaired as needed.

Some were later transformed into Buddhist robes (kesa) or altar cloths and donated to temples, while others were remade in later periods for display or preservation. In this way, kosode have been handed down through generations, taking on new forms according to changing needs and circumstances.

This exhibition presents works from the Chiso collection that bear traces of such alterations, alongside kosode that were transformed into Buddhist robes or hanging scrolls.

Even when modified so extensively that their original appearance was lost, these textiles continued to be valued and carefully preserved. Through them, we invite you to imagine the lives of the people who wore, altered, repurposed, and passed them down.