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Hello,
and welcome to the March, 2002 edition of The Tatami Room
Newsletter. Like so many things found in the Japanese
culture, it seems one could spend an entire lifetime surrounded by
Japanese textiles and still find new things to amaze and impress on a daily
basis. As we ourselves delve into the vast world
of Japanese textiles, we hope to bring you, our valued customers right
along for the ride. As we learn, we hope you do as well by
creating these newsletters which hopefully cover Japanese textiles from A -
Z. This installment takes a look at what exactly a kimono
represents in the Japanese culture.
Hanayaka sa -- The Japanese word for
"gorgeousness, beauty", etc... In Japan, it is said "one
eats with their eyes", meaning presentation is such an
integral part of Japanese cuisine. The same can be said of the
kimono as it truly is a feast for the eyes! The detail and
precision with which most are made is absolutely stunning. Perhaps
more so than with western clothing, the kimono is not simply functional
material to clothe the body, it is supposed to make a statement and to be a topic of
conversation. It truly is a work of art. Kisetsu -- The Japanese word for
"season". The changing of the four seasons plays a
large role in the daily life of most Japanese. You would be hard
pressed to find another place that appreciates the different qualities
each season has to offer more than Japan. Winter brings Plum
Blossom viewing. In spring, it is popular to enjoy a picnic while Cherry Blossom
viewing. Summer means it is time to put on your lightweight cotton
kimono called a Yukata and enjoy
any number of festivals.
Fall brings the changing of the leaves. Season plays a very large
role in kimono as well. The motif, color and type of material are
chosen based upon the time of year. Snow scenes are very
common on kimono worn in the winter and heavier-weight wool is the
fabric of choice. Spring brings themes of
Cherry Blossoms. Summertime kimono often depict water scenes and
are often made of lighter-wight cotton, while
fall kimono are usually awash in Momiji,
the Japanese
maple leaf which turns a bright red. Chie
-- The
Japanese word for "wisdom". A kimono has 3 very
interesting features: A.
A kimono is made from a single roll of fabric called a Tanmono.
The width
is a standard approx. 13" and the length is usually 12- 13
feet. ALL kimono are made without the use of any kind of
pattern. A kimono is based on standard measurements and straight
lines rendering the use of a pattern obsolete. B.
A kimono is designed to hide the curves of the body. The emphasis
is taken off of the contours of the body and placed squarely on the
kimono itself. This enables any body type in theory to wear
a kimono beautifully. C.
Because a kimono is hand-sewn and based entirely on straight
lines, it can be taken apart very easily and re-sewn into a
completely different kimono. In fact, the Tomesode
kimono
derives its name from the practice of actually shortening the sleeves of
a Furisode
kimono
once a woman has been married or reached an age of 25 - 26 years old. Dentou
-- The Japanese word for "tradition". Each kimono is
made with a specific event in mind. Expensive, very elegant kimono
are to be worn to parties, a wedding, etc...Kimono to be worn to a tea ceremony are always Jimi,
the
Japanese word for "subdued", or "lacking in bright
color and/or fancy design". A Furisode
kimono is
worn only by unmarried women below the age of usually 25 - 26 years old. Fudangi
or Kateigi,
the
Japanese words for "casual clothing" are always Jimi
and are
NOT made of silk. They are made of usually wool and cotton.
These types of kimono would be worn out shopping or to run errands,
etc...One must always take great care in matching the appropriate kimono
to the situation. In this way, one shows they fully understand the
different aspects of cultural traditions. Kakucho
-- The
Japanese word for "status". There still are few things
in Japanese society which make a bolder statement than a kimono.
The quality of the kimono is recognizable by the technique with which it
was made, the grade of material and the number of Kamon,
(the Japanese word for "family crest") it has. A kimono
bearing 5 Kamon
signifies an item of the highest grade. (Please note, the
Kamon
signify the grade of the kimono and have no relation to the social rank
of the wearer). The taste and/or personality of the wearer can
usually be identified simply by looking at the color and design
combination of the kimono. One who has skillfully matched color
and design is said to be very cultured in the arts and to have excellent
taste.
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