Kimono-shaped Comforter (Yogi) with Peonies and Stripes

A yogi is a thickly padded, kimono-shaped comforter, used for sleeping on cold winter nights. They were made in three sizes, with the luxurious silk damask yogi exhibited here representing a large example. Yogi became popular in the Edo period (1615–1868) and were frequently part of a wedding trousseau. Yogi were often decorated with auspicious motifs, suggesting that they would keep sleepers safe and sound through the night. Since both covers and the wadding would have been replaced as needed, yogi could be used over a long period of time.

In ukiyo-e paintings, prints, and illustrated books we often see pictures of sleeping couples—whether husband and wife or courtesans with clients—covered with yogi. These images show how the neck and the shoulders were kept warm due to the kimono shape of the coverlet. Most yogi are quite heavy because of the wadding, but similarly shaped, lighter garments were worn as night robes.