Glossary

In our continuing quest to understand the fascinating world of Japanese textiles, we have found it necessary to have a working knowledge of the vocabulary.  Here is a first attempt at putting together some of the words you will regularly see used throughout the website.  We hope this helps!

 

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Asa -- Hemp, linen　

Atozome -- Derived from the words Ato, meaning "after" and Someru, meaning "to dye." This word refers to a kimono that was dyed after the weaving process.  Examples of Atozome kimono include Tegakiyuzen, Katazome, Edokomon and Shibori. 

Edo Komon -- A type of kimono characterized by repeating small patterns on a solid color background.  It is dyed using the Katazome technique, or template dyeing.  

Fudangi -- Any type of kimono which is worn for everyday situations.  Shopping, running errands, etc...Not to be worn to a formal gathering.  Derived from the words Fudan, "usual, normal" and Gi, "wear". 

Furisode -- A kimono worn by unmarried women up until the age of 25 or so.  It is characterized by long, flowing sleeves and bright, eye-catching colors and motifs. 

Geta -- Wooden shoes worn with a yukata.  

Han Eri --  A collar placed inside the kimono. 

Haori --A half-coat designed to be worn over a kimono.  

Homongi -- A kimono worn when visiting someone's house.  Derived from the words Homon, "to visit" and Gi, "wear".  One step below Irotomesode in rank.  It is usually characterized by one connected, flowing design which starts at the collar area and ends at the bottom.  

Iromofuku -- Same as Kuromofuku except that it will not be black, but rather another solid color.  It also will have family crests, but usually only one. 

Iromuji -- Any type of kimono dyed in a solid color with no motif.  It can have family crests.  Derived from the words Iro, "color",  Mu, "no, nothing", and Ji, "pattern".

Irotomesode -- Exactly the same characteristics as the Kurotomesode except its color is NOT black.  Iro is the Japanese word for "color".

Kamon -- Family crest, usually in sets of 5, 3 and 1.  Usually found across the back of the Kimono. 

Kanzashi -- Hairpin used when wearing a kimono. 

Kasen -- Synthetic, polyester, etc.. Any number of man-made fabrics.  Often referred to as Araeru Kimono, which means "washable kimono".

Kiku -- Chrysanthemum

Kimono -- Derived from the words Ki, "to wear" and Mono, "thing".  It basically refers to Japanese traditional clothing.  Another word commonly used to refer to Japanese traditional clothing is Wafuku.

Kinu --  Silk

Kiri no hana -- Paulownia leaves 

Kuromofuku --Solid black kimono designed to be worn to a funeral. It will always have 5 family crests. 

Kurotomesode -- Most formal of all kimono meant to be worn only for special celebrations; a wedding ceremony (not for the bride!), etc... It derives its name from the practice of cutting off the sleeves of a Furisode and of course the fact that its color is black.  Kuro, "black", Tome, "cut", and Sode, "Sleeve."  Characteristics include Kamon "family crests", usually two in the front and three in the back across the shoulders and designs which will always wrap around at the bottom, never above the waist.  

Meisen -- A type of fabric used extensively in the past to make Kimono.  No longer used.

Michiyuki -- A coat designed to be worn over a kimono to protect it from rain, etc... It usually has buttons in the front for closure. 

Momen -- Cotton

Momiji -- Japanese maple leaves

Obi -- A waist sash designed to be worn with a kimono. 

Obiage -- A piece of material placed between the kimono and the obi used to help stabilize the obi.

Obidome -- A little decorative item placed on the obijime right in the front and middle of the obi.

Obijime -- A cord wrapped around the waist used to help stabilize the obi.　

　

Nagajuban -- A garment worn underneath a kimono. 

Sakizome -- Derived from the words Saki, meaning "first, before, ahead" and Someru, meaning "to dye."  This word refers to a kimono whose threads were dyed before the weaving process.  Examples of Sakizome kimono include Tsumugi, Momen, and Asa. 

Sakura no hana -- Cherry blossoms

Shibori -- A resist-dyeing technique.  The original tie-dye!

Take no hana -- Bamboo leaves

Tanmono -- A roll of fabric used to make one kimono.  They are almost always approx. 13 inches wide and 10 plus yards long. 

Tsukesage -- A kimono one step below the Homongi in rank.  It doesn't have one connected motif. 

Tsumugi -- The best example of a Sakizome kimono.

Tsuru -- Crane

Uchikake -- A kimono designed to be worn by a bride in a wedding ceremony.  It is characterized by bright colors and intricate motifs.  It is also extremely heavy. 

Ume no hana -- Plum blossoms

Yukata -- A lightweight kimono made of cotton and designed to be worn in the summer.

Zori --  Slippers worn with a kimono.

 

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