10. THE ART OF KIMONO

Sunday November 24, 2013

There can be no doubt, Japanese people have fine art down to a fine art... Whether its gift wrapping, wood block printing, ikebana, bonsai, ceramics, or the famous tea ceremony, they seem to have an aesthetic all of their own. But if there is one thing that says "Japan" more than anything else, to us non-Japanese, it would have to be the Kimono. Everyone loves the kimono.

According to Wikipedia, "The word "kimono" literally means a "thing to wear" (ki "wear" and mono "thing"). But this is an understatement... You don't just "wear" a kimono, you must dress up in a kimono. And it's quite a procedure.

After the meeting today, we visited the home of the Sato family to enjoy more hospitality and... For Alex to wear a kimono. Here she is already wearing the second layer.

Technically, the long long sleeves are reserved for single ladies but just for today, we are making an exception...

And now it gets complicated. A friend told us that she can dress herself in a kimono but we are not sure how. Here is Alexandra with a pink and a red under sash which no doubt have names of ther own... But I do not know what they are. She is also wearing the third and top layer of the kimono.

Beautiful silk designs depicting all manner of stylised Japanese flora and geometry.

Chizuk has a collection of kimonos and allowed me to select which one Alex would wear.

The length is adjusted by folding it up under the obi.

There are so many components and adjustments to be made.

Now for the obi itself. What's an obi? Let's ask wiki...

"There are many types of obi, most for women: wide obis made of brocade and narrower, simpler obis for everyday wear. The fanciest and most colourful obis are for young unmarried women. The contemporary women's obi is a very conspicuous accessory, sometimes even more so than the kimono robe itself. A fine formal obi might cost more than the rest of the entire outfi."

The obi is so long that it is draped down to the floor.

Tying the bow.

More tying...

That is no little bow... There is even a big wad of padding inserted into it.

A green under obi sash is added.

Finishing touches... There, that took only 45 minutes...

Let's hope she doesn't change her mind about the colour.

And why would she?

 

 

 

Now, how would you like to eat a meal wearing a $10,000 kimono? Be very very careful with the soy sauce...

Oyshe (delicious) sushi.

Back row: Chizuko, Yasumasa, Sae, Junichi, Keishi, (with a cat) Akira

Front row: Mitsuru

Earlier in the day we were treated to another delicious lunch.

Junichi, Sae, Akiko, Izumi, Takako

Some of the members of the Araisono Congregation.

And finally, here are our dear friends Sae and Junichi who orchestrated our whole day. Thank you very much for a great day.

Lloydalex