May 09, 2025
Marubeni Corporation
Marubeni is pleased to announce the completion of the Important Cultural Property Conservation and Repair Project it has been undertaking on a centuries-old Marubeni Collection kimono, an Important Cultural Property formally entitled Furisode (Garment with long hanging sleeves) with Design of Latticework, Chrysanthemums, Paste-resist (Yuzen) and Embroidery on Parti-colored Silk Crepe (Chirimen) (hereinafter, “the kimono”).
Project Overview
The kimono was one of the pieces acquired by Marubei Shoten (the direct predecessor of the modern Marubeni) in the late 1920s to the 1930s, when the company assembled a collection of and conducted research into ancient textiles, primarily from the 17th to mid-19th centuries, and their traditional production techniques to inform the research and development of new textile products. A rare example of early 18th century textiles, the kimono has an ink inscription on the sash sewn on the back revealing the era of its creation and other historical details; due to its high artistic and historical value, it was designated as an Important Cultural Property by the Japanese national government in 2020. In April 2023, Marubeni embarked on a two-year conservation and repair project for the kimono with the support and cooperation of the Japan Agency for Cultural Affairs, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, and Shokakudo Co., Ltd., and the project was officially completed in March 2025. Going forward, Marubeni will continue to carefully preserve the kimono and plans to exhibit it to the public at the Marubeni Gallery in 2027.
Project Videos
Note: This project has been funded by the Japan Agency for Cultural Affairs as a Project for the Fundamental Reinforcement of Conservation and Restoration of National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties.
Marubeni Textile Collection Repair Projects
Marubeni is engaging in several projects to repair and restore several works in its approximately 400-item textile collection; going forward, these repaired works are planned to be widely exhibited to the public. Through these projects and exhibitions, Marubeni will continue to contribute to the conservation of culture and tradition.
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