Robe (kosode) with landscape and literary designs (goshodoki)

Literary motifs

Chrysanthemums decorate this Japanese robe in a design known as goshodoki. This design, which was worn particularly by samurai-class women from the late 1700s through the mid-1800s, generally includes a landscape with seasonal plants and motifs related to classical literature or Noh plays. The chrysanthemum blossoms here may simply be seasonal symbols rather than suggestions of more complex themes. Enriched by a color palette of gold and muted hues, the design of the robe certainly has an autumnal aura.

(Label from exhibition Flower Power)