Types of Japanese Kimonos
The Japanese kimono originates from the 15th century. It was during the Edo period of 1615, under the rule of the Tokagawa shogun that the kimono was worn by the military classes to display wealth and affluence. Kimonos were exported to London in the 1870s, where they became fashionable among western women. Kimonos are worn in Japan for formal events, such as weddings and funerals, and as casual wear.
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Formal Kimonos
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A colorful obi represents a happy occasion. Married women wear the tomesode kimono for formal occasions such as the wedding ceremony of friends or relatives. The obi, a sash that ties around the woman's waist, is usually colorful to represent a happy occasion or reason for celebration. There are two types of tomesode kimono: the kuro tomesode which features five family crests and is the most formal kimono, and the iro tomesode which is worn for parties and gatherings and is less formal.
The furisode kimono is usually worn by women following their 20th birthday; mothers buy them the furisode to celebrate and represent adulthood as this is when Japanese women can vote and legally drink alcohol. Long sleeves and bright colors ensure the furisode stands out, and is worn on formal occasions until a woman gets married.
Houmongi & Mofuku
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The houmongi is worn by married women as a replacement for the furisode. Usually bought for them by their parents, women wear the houmongi to formal events such as tea parties and weddings. The houmongi features an asymmetrical pattern and has longer sleeves than the tomesode and furisode.
The mofuku is an all black silk kimono worn by a woman mourning the death of a relative. It is worn at the wake and funeral. Prints of five family crests are embellished onto the kimono but are black in color and therefore understated.
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Informal Kimonos
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The yukata is an informal kimono worn in the summer. It is made from cotton, rather than silk, so it is lighter than the houmongi, tomesode and furisode. A cotton sash instead of a silk obi is worn around the waist, representing the informality of the kimono. If worn to a casual public event, the yukata features a wide obi to give it a slightly more formal appearance.
A kimono featuring a komon pattern is the most informal kimono style. The kimono is covered by widespread patterns which are sometimes repeated. Women wear the komon when when socializing or at informal gatherings.
Wedding Kimono
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Japanese brides wear the uchikake, one of the most expensive kimonos. It is the longest of all kimonos and is traditionally held up so the bride can walk. It is worn over a white kakeshita which acts as an under-dress. Embroidered, woven or hand-painted designs, known as yuzen, are placed on the uchikake and have a symbolic meaning such as a crane which represents happiness. The uchikake is a heavy kimono made of silk and was originally worn by women for formal occasions.
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References
Resources
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