Kimono

Moshi, Moshi readers,

I have been interested in materials called textiles, and embroidery, for a long time now, so I was really hoping that I would see exquisite material and embroidery on the Japanese-style of clothing called kimono. I learned from several people on the plane that wearing kimono is not very common any more among the youth of Japan.

Kimono is actually the Japanese word for clothing, but now it has become a word that is used to describe traditional Japanese clothing. Kimonos came into begin during the Heian period (794-1192). It was during this period that Japanese clothing evolved from 2 separate pieces into one. Tailors devised a straight-line method of cutting material which took less time to fit and sew since they did not have to concern themselves with the shape of the wearer's body. Kimonos became popular because they were easy to fold, and were comfortable. In winter, they could be layered to keep the wearer warmer(remember, central heating is a new development in heating dwellings), and in summer they were made of material like linen, which was "breathable" and kept the wearer cool.

People began wearing seasonal colors, or colors which showed their political class, and the Japanese began paying attention to how different colors looked together. They developed a sensitivity to color which has been translated today into a heightened awareness of fashion sense and style.

During the Meiji period (1868-19120), The Emperor wanted everyone to dress in the Western style at his court, so this became the fashion. The Japanese now dress in modern Western style clothing most of the time, except for special days like weddings, funerals, or celebrations. However, I was fortunate enough to meet some women wearing kimonos. One you've already seen in the pictures from the subway.
One of the pictures is of kimonos in a shop window; they are very expensive. The white kimono has flying cranes as its embroidered motif; the blue is of chrysanthemums, an autumn flower. The other pieces of fancy material are for the sashes called obi, which shape the kimono to the body. Notice the purses. One is decorated in autumn leaves, carrying out the seasonal theme. The other pictures were taken of historical kimonos found at the Tokyo National Museum in Ueno. The last picture is of modern women wearing kimono.