Kimono
First go to History of Kimonos and learn about how the kimono established itself as a part of Japanese culture. Kimono Types and Designs gives detailed explanations of the kinds of fabric used for kimonos, how they are made, and how obi (sashes) are used. If you want to know at what times Japanese people today wear kimonos, go to Occasions for Wearing Kimonos, where you can read about what is worn when and how colors are coordinated. Finally, move on to Virtual Kimono to try a hand at putting together your own kimono outfit.
Photo: ©Yoshiaki Yamamoto
/SEKAIBUNKA PUBLISHING Inc,.
- History of Kimonos
- Kimono Types and Designs (1)
- Kimono Types and Designs (2)
- Occasions for Wearing Kimonos (1)
- Occasions for Wearing Kimonos (2)
- Virtual Kimono
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History of Kimonos
Originally, "kimono" was the Japanese word for clothing. But in more recent years, the word has been used to refer specifically to traditional Japanese clothing. Kimonos as we know them today came into being during the Heian period (794-1192).
From the Nara period (710-794) until then, Japanese people typically wore either ensembles consisting of separate upper and lower garments (trousers or skirts), or one-piece garments. But in the Heian period, a new kimono-making technique was developed. Known as the straight-line-cut method, it involved cutting pieces of fabric in straight lines and sewing them together. With this technique, kimono makers did not have to concern themselves with the shape of the wearer's body. (240 words)
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