The Japanese national costume is a kimono. But when it comes to geisha costumes, you can absolutely imagine just how special and intricate they are as it takes about two to three years to complete. Everything about a Japanese geisha is very distinct- from the kimono to the makeup to the hairstyle. But all of these have changed through time.
A Geiko or traditional geisha is always in a kimono. The kimono and the obi that serves as a striking feature of the costume of the Maiko or Japanese geisha trainee are usually more dramatic. Geisha's have a much simple kind that are called musubi. The obi tying pattern for a Maiko are the Tokyo styles called Kanazawa style hangkoyu, tsunodashi musubi and yanagi musubi and even the Kyoto style darari. They also have pocketed sleeves or furi that go al the way to the floor.
Actually, the colors, designs, and even patterns are all sort of based on nature and the four different seasons. The lined kimono is worn during the colder season while the unlined kimono is favored during the warmer weather. The best fabrics used in crafting a Japanese Geisha dress and obi are silk, silk crepes, silk brocade and satin weaves. However today, cheaper cloth that is easily washed is now being used.
Historically, patterns can be made by dyeing the fabrics up to a dozen times in contrasting layers. The most popular fabric patterns follow the typical four seasons inspiration of the Japanese arts. Butterflies and cherry blossom are definitely worn during spring. Maple leaves are absolutely favored during autumn. For winter, the favored patterns are pine trees, bamboos and plum blossoms. Watery patterns are used during the summer.
In fact, even the colors of the part under the kimono, called the nagajuban, along with the kimono have different meanings. For the Maiko's kimono, you have red and white. These become entirely white as the Maiko advances into becoming a full-pledge traditional geisha as a symbol of seniority and that is when she turns about 20 years old.
Today, the Japanese geisha dress is still a cultural symbol. However, today is used less because of the great appreciation people have of the country's history.
A Geiko or traditional geisha is always in a kimono. The kimono and the obi that serves as a striking feature of the costume of the Maiko or Japanese geisha trainee are usually more dramatic. Geisha's have a much simple kind that are called musubi. The obi tying pattern for a Maiko are the Tokyo styles called Kanazawa style hangkoyu, tsunodashi musubi and yanagi musubi and even the Kyoto style darari. They also have pocketed sleeves or furi that go al the way to the floor.
Actually, the colors, designs, and even patterns are all sort of based on nature and the four different seasons. The lined kimono is worn during the colder season while the unlined kimono is favored during the warmer weather. The best fabrics used in crafting a Japanese Geisha dress and obi are silk, silk crepes, silk brocade and satin weaves. However today, cheaper cloth that is easily washed is now being used.
Historically, patterns can be made by dyeing the fabrics up to a dozen times in contrasting layers. The most popular fabric patterns follow the typical four seasons inspiration of the Japanese arts. Butterflies and cherry blossom are definitely worn during spring. Maple leaves are absolutely favored during autumn. For winter, the favored patterns are pine trees, bamboos and plum blossoms. Watery patterns are used during the summer.
In fact, even the colors of the part under the kimono, called the nagajuban, along with the kimono have different meanings. For the Maiko's kimono, you have red and white. These become entirely white as the Maiko advances into becoming a full-pledge traditional geisha as a symbol of seniority and that is when she turns about 20 years old.
Today, the Japanese geisha dress is still a cultural symbol. However, today is used less because of the great appreciation people have of the country's history.
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