Ever since I came across the book, The Art of Edo Japan by Christine Guth (which I still can't find in stores...), I have been fascinated by all sorts of old time Japanese culture and costume.
So I did some googling, as any curious person would.
The first website I happened upon was called the Costume Museum. There, I was entranced by all the different garments worn by different people for a stunningly large amount of various occasions. Some were for formal wear in the summer, some for courtiers, and even one for a high class prostitute. Absolutely amazing.
One thing I really admire about traditional Japanese clothing is how refined and sacred it is. I'm not really referring to religion here when I say that. It's more like the fabric's purpose stems beyond creating an aesthetically-pleasing palette...it protects the body. As if the human body was so sacred that it needed to be kept away from the human eye, unless you were worthy enough to see it.
Aside from that, I also enjoy looking at the variety of patterns that each robe or kimono bears. Each one emits a separate ...feeling... or aura? I especially love the whimsical looking ones.
Here are a few of my favorites from the website I mentioned above! (all from the Edo Period)
I hope I didn't bore you with all of this. I just wanted to share something interesting and something I find wicked fascinating. :)
Let me know what you think!
Until next,
{kiss kiss}
~Jenn
6 comments
Why is that one a high class prostitute? Is it because of all the decor in her hair? I just wonder because I really like that one. And the red you mentioned for the princess one is gorgeous. It does look pure, even though in American culture, the color red symbolizes love, and lust. Very interesting post! <3
ReplyDeletetoni
I'm not an expert on this! I'm just going by what the website said but I would think that her excessive hair decor is to make her look...appealing? Or pretty or worth the money. As in, I don't think anyone would want to go to a prostitute that looked frumpy lol!
DeleteI never even thought about it in comparison to American culture but that really is interesting!
Thank you <3 I'm happy that you liked this post :)
-Jenn
all the costumes are so intricate! it must've been tiring and exhausting prepping all that makeup and dress everyday ><. still cool though~ thanks for sharing. i love japanese culture.
ReplyDeletekeep in touch :)
-Joyce
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Thank you for reading the post and visiting my blog! I appreciate it :)
DeleteIt really must have been a chore because it seems like they wear so many layers of clothing. I can't even imagine lugging around that much fabric on my body from day til night.
-Jenn
Nice!
ReplyDeleteThanks! :)
Delete-Jenn
Thank you for taking the time to stop by! Always happy to hear your thoughts :)