Japanese National Costume

Posted by admin on Jan 3, 2012 in Asian | 0 comments

The kimono is really the conventional Japanese male costume. It is actually worn during the Japanese special tea ritual, the flower presentation, marriages and other official events. A casual kimono known as yukata which is a cotton bath outfit is actually worn by Japanese people at house. The Heian phase (794 – 1185) marks the opening of customary Japanese kimono and clothing. The females of the court wore 12 coverings of robes along with a short-sleeved garment known as kosode. By the end of 14th century, kosode turned into outerwear and the piece of clothing acquired at the waist by a slim obi or sash. The width of the sash developed during the Tokugway phase, speculation suggests the obi’s breadth developed with the fame of the Kabuki drama in which ladies roles were presented by onnagata (men) who wrapped their male segments with an extended obi. A kimono is manufactured in an assortment of materials extending from silk brocade to cotton sateen. The technique of the kimono included 4 major strips of cloth and 4 supplementary strips that wrap the entire body and serve as long sleeves. Slighter strips give the collar and front section. A kimono is actually ankle-length along with extended, loose sleeves. However, in “Introducing Japan”, Donald Richie suggests that kimono styles have altered with the passage of time; nevertheless, the fundamental structure has survived unbroken.

The basic accessories of a kimono are socks, tabi, geta and zori that are clogs or sandals. The kimono’s artistic concentration is the overlying colours of the coats, arranged in association to the particular season. The overall design and aspects of the kimono converse the individuals age, marriage status and sexual proclivity. However, in the book “All – Japan: The Directory of Everything Japanese”, the author states “the selection of colours, patterns, and cloth cannot be completed arbitrarily, but is controlled by an accurate policy of social suitability.” By the conclusion of the 19th century, conventional Japanese attire and Western clothing merged, and the kimono was decorated with high-collared dresses and elegant leather shoes. By the year 1910, though, the attire of the West and the conventional Kimono detached. The two patterns exist; Donald Richie states “that the propensity to separate Japanese elements from overseas is noticed; a timepiece and western cosmetics are the only things accepted with the customary kimono.” However, a kimono for a male displays manly patterns and traditional colours. The kimono backdrop colours are brown, grey, blue, or black. A kimono adorned by a man is stitched closed beneath the arm. A females kimono sleeves are actually long and broad and open beneath the arm.

Kimonos adorned by females are vivacious, colourful and show comprehensive female designs. A kimono adorned by a married couple or older lady is known as a tomesode; it is actually short-sleeved, and the designs are sober and delicate. Japan is a nation with an enormous dichotomy between its conventional elements and its technical present. Nowadays Japan stands on the front position of advancement in science, and technology, but in the ancient times it was a nation covered in secrecy and custom.

Features of Kimono dress:

• White or black sandals
• Red coloured Kimono
• Extensive embroidery
• Original cotton made
• High collars and sleeves