"Essence of Kimono" Displays Antique "Wearable Art" at The Nippon Gallery.

Kimono from the Alexander Collection
used with permission

What is a kimono? Is it something to wear or an art to marvel at? Can it be both? Explore these ideas as the Nippon Gallery's* current exhibition, "Essence of Kimono: Art, Culture & Commerce." On display for the first time in history are 60 antique kimono and obi handpicked from the private collection of Alexander Murray. Mr. Murray's passion for kimono and other "wearable art," as the gallery describes it, has led him to collect nearly 1000 beautiful textiles from Japanese historical periods as far back as two hundred years. The portion of the Alexander Collection on display at the Nippon Gallery highlights distinctive colors and patterns, and rare, delicate details. The textile pieces are intricate, stunning works of art, and all items on display are also for sale.

The exhibition runs through August 23rd, and is open 10am-6pm on weekdays, and 10am-5pm on Saturdays (closed Sundays). Although the experience is priceless, admission is free.

*The Nippon Gallery is part of notable Japanese cultural institution, The Nippon Club, and is located at 145 W. 57th Street, between 6th & 7th Aves. The exhibition is also supported by the J.C.C. Fund of the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry of New York, Inc., the Consulate General of Japan in New York, and the Japan Foundation, New York.