Traditional Japanese Clothing Essay

Traditional Japanese Clothing History:The word Kimono was not invented until the Meji Era (1868-1912). The style of the modern Kimono we see in Japan today was not created until the end of the Edo period. Traditional Japanese clothing has changed from 200bce to the 1989ce. The underclothing at this time was a kosode or small sleeves. It became outer clothing in later centuries and developed into the kimono.

In Ancient Japan, which was from 200bce to 200ce Japanese clothing copied the wealthy Chinese clothing from the Han, Sui, and Tang dynasties.

The Nara period was from 710 to 794ce. The Japanese continued to copy the Chinese. There was a specific code that explained how clothing should be worn to be more Chinese such as tying their garments left over right. This code was called the Yoro Code and was based upon the Chinese Tang code.

The next period

was the Heian Period, which occurred from 794 to 1192ce. The Japanese ended relations with the Chinese and their own style developed. The clothing was more detailed with vibrant colors and various color combinations with different textiles. The color combinations created in this period are seen as the typical Japanese clothing palate. Many layers are used to represent the art filled court life.
In the Kamakura Period, which was from 1192 to 1338ce there was warring and an unstable government. Clothing was very colorful because warriors dressed in colors representing their different army groups. The luxury of the court was out of style and functionality was in style. Layers were removed from the clothing to promote functionality.
Next was the Muromatchi Period, which took place from 1338 to 1573ce. The warring and vying for power led to civil war. This led to self-indulgence and a new love for court life. The clothing became more elaborate and more intricate ways of wearing the clothing developed such as wearing it as a veil in some cases. Due to war clothing was still colorful.
The Momoyama Period was between 1573 and 1615ce. This period was the epitome of self-indulgence and elegance. The clothing was extremely showy. It included bright colors and clashing fabrics with gold accents. Heian court style was popular and the period clothing mirrored the new rich.
After the Momoyama Period came the Edo Period. The Edo Period was from 1615 to 1868ce was a flourishing era of peace which encouraged the development of fashionable dress. Clothing was considered a big form self-expression and wealth so the textile industry boomed. These unnecessary displays of affluence concerned the ruling party because they were a threat to the social order. The emperor passed laws against such displays with clothing. This led to a style called iki with was more about subtlety in clothing. Red, a forbidden color was used by the very rich in underclothing to express style.
The Meji Period occurred from 1868 to 1912ce. Japan was recently opened up to trade by the Americans. The upper class wore Western style clothing such as suits and dresses. The Kimono became an article of clothing only used for formal events, similar to today.
The final periods were the Taishō and Shōwa Period which took place from 1912 to 1926ce and 1926 to 1989ce.

There was urban growth which changed the coloration and design of the kimono’s art. The art was western in nature to reflect the westernization and industrialization of Japan.

Traditional Japanese Clothing Today: Kimonos are now mostly worn at formal events such as tea ceremony, weddings, funerals, or other formal events.

At Tea Ceremonies single women and female children wear furisode or colorful kimonos that have long sleeves and are tied with bright obis or sashes.

At weddings the bride wore a Shiromuku, a white kimono with an elaborate headpiece. The groom wears a black kimono made of habutee silk, a pleated skirt, hakama, and a black coat, haiuri. At weddings the male guests also wear white ties.

At funerals both female and male guests wear black kimonos. Male guests also wear black ties. Kimonos are tied right over left when the corpse is being prepared for burial.

In January there is a coming of age ceremony for 20 year old girls. The girls wear very vibrant kimonos and fur

boas.