The Japanese Kimono
A kimono, meaning quite literally “something worn”, is considered to be the national dress of Japan. The garment is worn by both men, though more so the women of Japan. The kimono was adapted from the Chinese “Hanfu” and dates back to the eighth centaury.
The History of Kimono:
The kimono really took off in the Japanese culture during the Heian period, 794- to about- 1190. The dress was usually then made from extensive layers and in very outstanding colours, also was known to be worn by their royal court.. Later on during the brief Kamakura period, with the rising of the military/ warrior uprising, the people introduced a smaller, less elaborate kimono; the Kisodo, meaning short sleeves.
Though the kimono experienced even greater change in the Edo period, where hie
rarchical class of the society was defined in the kimono. In this period is considered to have experienced the most beautiful artistic wise kimono in the history of Japan. In this period again the arms did start to grow in length, and basically unchanged since.
During the Meiji period (1868-1912), the Japanese crafters of the kimono had to compete with the machines of the western world, and through this adopted new methods for making the Kimono, such as outsourcing for materials. After this the kimono became less complex, especially during the Showa period the governments ordered a tax be applied to the production of silk to help support with the military build up. After World War II Japan rebuilt their economy and the Kimono became more affordable, though they still today vary in the fashion and also the class of the wearer.
The Tradition of making the Kimono:
The kimono is traditionally made from silk and hand sewn. The decorations are also traditionally hand made, as the detail is exceptional. The silk would be died with beautiful and outstanding colours as the base. Then they would be decorated with patterns and more died silk decorations. The decorations would also depend on the time of year and other such influences. Usually in the winter periods the decorations would be, cherry blossoms, bamboo shoots or pine trees.
The methods of dying was adopted again from the Chinese and Korean influences. These methods were studied and then adapted for the japanse people to create their own patterns and styles. The hand made garments are considered to be one of the most beautiful treasures of their culture.
Bibliography:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kimono
http://www.japanesekimono.com/kimono.htm
http://www.japanesekimono.com/kimono_history.htm
http://www.japanesekimono.com/japanese_clothing.htm
http://www.japanesekimono.com/kimono_fabric.htm
http://www.japanesekimono.com/kimono_patterns.htm
http://mothra.rerf.or.jp/ENG/Hiroshima/Things/79.html
http://www.japaneselifestyle.com.au/fashion/kimono_history.html
http://www.japanworld.com.au/aboutjapan/kimono.html
http://www.marlamallett.com/kimono.htm
A kimono, meaning quite literally “something worn”, is considered to be the national dress of Japan. The garment is worn by both men, though more so the women of Japan. The kimono was adapted from the Chinese “Hanfu” and dates back to the eighth centaury.
The History of Kimono:
The kimono really took off in the Japanese culture during the Heian period, 794- to about- 1190. The dress was usually then made from extensive layers and in very outstanding colours, also was known to be worn by their royal court.. Later on during the brief Kamakura period, with the rising of the military/ warrior uprising, the people introduced a smaller, less elaborate kimono; the Kisodo, meaning short sleeves.
Though the kimono experienced even greater change in the Edo period, where hie
rarchical class of the society was defined in the kimono. In this period is considered to have experienced the most beautiful artistic wise kimono in the history of Japan. In this period again the arms did start to grow in length, and basically unchanged since.During the Meiji period (1868-1912), the Japanese crafters of the kimono had to compete with the machines of the western world, and through this adopted new methods for making the Kimono, such as outsourcing for materials. After this the kimono became less complex, especially during the Showa period the governments ordered a tax be applied to the production of silk to help support with the military build up. After World War II Japan rebuilt their economy and the Kimono became more affordable, though they still today vary in the fashion and also the class of the wearer.
The Tradition of making the Kimono:
The kimono is traditionally made from silk and hand sewn. The decorations are also traditionally hand made, as the detail is exceptional. The silk would be died with beautiful and outstanding colours as the base. Then they would be decorated with patterns and more died silk decorations. The decorations would also depend on the time of year and other such influences. Usually in the winter periods the decorations would be, cherry blossoms, bamboo shoots or pine trees.
The methods of dying was adopted again from the Chinese and Korean influences. These methods were studied and then adapted for the japanse people to create their own patterns and styles. The hand made garments are considered to be one of the most beautiful treasures of their culture.
Bibliography:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kimono
http://www.japanesekimono.com/kimono.htm
http://www.japanesekimono.com/kimono_history.htm
http://www.japanesekimono.com/japanese_clothing.htm
http://www.japanesekimono.com/kimono_fabric.htm
http://www.japanesekimono.com/kimono_patterns.htm
http://mothra.rerf.or.jp/ENG/Hiroshima/Things/79.html
http://www.japaneselifestyle.com.au/fashion/kimono_history.html
http://www.japanworld.com.au/aboutjapan/kimono.html
http://www.marlamallett.com/kimono.htm
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