The Shinto wedding would be performed before a Shinto sanctuary. The “shiro-muku” is the traditional white wedding kimono, with shiro meaning “white” and muku meaning “pure”. This signifies the bride’s pure intentions to conform to the practices and customs of the husband’s family. The wedding kimono is comprised of two kimonos. The white kimono would be worn for the wedding ceremony and the elaborate, richly embellished, silk brocade kimono, called uchikake, would be worn overtop the white kimono for the wedding reception.

The colorful uchikake kimonos originated in the Edo era (1600-1868) and were only permitted to be worn by court nobles, at first, as a symbol of their status. Uchikake kimonos are most often red based brocade, which are woven onto long, wide strips of thick silk material. The brocaded silver, gold and other beautifully colored threads are used to shape fantastic, traditional, embroidered designs and images. The popular designs for the uchikake are turtles, cranes, Chinese phoenixes, treasure boxes, plum blossoms pine trees and bamboo. Most of these are Japanese symbols for prosperity, happiness, longevity and fertility. While red is the most often used color for the uchikake, many different colors, from majestic imperial purple to gorgeous sea green, are available. The bridal kimono is sometimes handed down as an heirloom in the family or is made into futon bedding later in life.

For the wedding, the bride’s hair would be styled in a traditional hairstyle called “bunkin-takashimada” , in which she would wear magnificent gold combs and “kanzashi” (accessories). She would then wear a white wedding hood, called “tsuno kakushi” in order to hide the two golden horns or “tsuno”, which are symbolic of the wife’s obedience to her husband. There are bridal accessories that are worn for tradition and good luck. In her obi belt, the bride will wear a fan for the traditional belief that the gradual widening of the open fan indicates happiness and therefore will bring a happy future. The bride carries a small encased sword called “kaiken” and a small purse-like sack called “hakoseko”.

The breathtaking, colorful uchikake wedding kimono, being offered today, is vivid red that has a gradual fading, at an angle, to orange and then to green. It features eye-catching appliqué designs in a floral motif and embroidered cranes in flight. The Japanese crane symbolizes longevity, luck, fidelity and a happy marriage. There are dazzling flecks of gold and platinum highlighting the floral pattern. Since the original paper is inside the collar, it is a very strong possibility that this kimono was never used. The original bunting covering hasn’t been removed and the uchikake has the original shipping ties on the inside. This beautiful wedding kimono is in perfect condition. The sizing is as follows: sleeve length is 42 inches, the body width is 24 inches and the overall kimono length is 72 inches. This elaborately embellished, stunning uchikake kimono is an extraordinary work of craftsmanship, to be elegantly worn and enjoyed or to be exhibited as a unique, incomparable, marvelous piece of Japanese artistry!
You can bid on this exquisite Japanese kimono here

HERE COMES THE BRIDE…IN THIS EXQUISITE JAPANESE UCHIKAKE WEDDING KIMONO! is a post from: Japanese Antiquities

Set of 2 Oriental Doll outfits includes: ~ Traditional Cheongsam dress made in cherry print brocade with pink frogs as closure and matching velvet shoes. ~ Japanese style kimono dress made in red floral print brocade with detachable Obi sash and matching Tatimi Sandals.

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Chinese Cheongsam & Japanese Kimono – 2 Outfits ~ Fits 18" American Girl Dolls ~ Holiday Sale Price is a post from: Japanese Antiquities

Kimono robe with a pretty embroidered bamboo design. The heavy polyester/rayon kimono has two pockets and two belt hoops to keep your sash in place. Beautiful!! This 50 inch long ankle to calf length Japanese style robe measures 26 inches from shoulder seam to shoulder seam. This should fit a size medium to Xlarge.Hand washable or dry clean.

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Pink Bamboo Design Kimono Robe #10HG11010 is a post from: Japanese Antiquities

Any dressmaker, quilter, or embroiderer who has ever felt inspired by the elegant design of Japanese clothes will find everything needed to start stitching in this comprehensive and luxurious sourcebook. In addition to colorful photos and illustrations that provide a history of the kimono and other Japanese garments, there are patterns, practical diagrams, and instructions for assembly. Each style receives loving attention, with something for everyone: kimonos for men, women, and chil (more...)

Making Kimono and Japanese Clothes (Paperback) is a post from: Japanese Antiquities

From Booklist
The bursting of Japan's so-called economic bubble has invalidated the long-held assumption of guaranteed lifelong employment at Japanese companies. Now Renshaw, a management consultant and former professor, challenges another common notion regarding business in Japan. She looks at the growing number of women managers in Japan. Although still small, the number has more than doubled to almost 300,000 over the past 10 years. Renshaw conducted 160 interviews with Japanese (more...)

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Kimono in the Boardroom: The Invisible Evolution of Japanese Women Managers (Kindle Edition) is a post from: Japanese Antiquities

Our Japanese Girl Kimono Costume features a beautiful red dress with pink obi kimono belt and hair accessory.

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Japanese Girl Kimono Costume is a post from: Japanese Antiquities

Tabi socks are split toe socks made to be worn with traditional japanese sandals or wooden clogs. Traditionally either white or black, these have been updated with contemporary colors and patterns and are great with flip flops or around the house.

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Tabi Fashion Socks – Bunnies & Flowers (Grey) is a post from: Japanese Antiquities

You must absolutely see these exquisite and superbly made shoulder bags. Please don't delay as they are in very limited quantities and will be sold on a first come basis. Plus, they are now going at a greatly reduced price as we have only a few left after our shows and must make way for our new line of bags! These superb kimono fabrics are from our personal collection of unique vintage kimono fabrics that were picked up from our many travels to the Orient. These particular fabrics are from a vintage Japanese Wedding Gown (uchikake), and you can see that it is indeed a beautiful material with a gold brocade fabric with heavy hand embroidery. As they make only one piec (more...)

Aiko Dark Brown Small Shoulder Bag Made From Vintage Japanese Kimonos is a post from: Japanese Antiquities

Whether formal or casual, for weddings, unmarried women, men, geisha – no matter who you were, where you intended to go, or what you intended to do, there was a style and type of kimono that would fit your requirements.

Take the kurotomesode for example. The height of formal wear, it was worn exclusively by married women, particularly during wedding ceremonies. In contrast, the furisode was the formal wear of choice for unmarried woman.

Naturally, the above examples are just two of the many, many, other kimono types that were once so prevalent.

Admittedly, the requirements of modern day living differ greatly from those of ancient Japan, and while kimonos do still remain traditionally relevant, they are now viewed as more of an art form.

That being said, there are still many styles of kimonos. Some fashion designers have even used the traditional motifs and types of kimonos to come up with delightful blends of both old, and new that continue to be unveiled on the catwalks of fashion capitals.

From amongst the stunning variety of kimonos that are readily available, it is almost a certainty that you will find something that suits any taste. As much as the kimono possessed a style for every occasion back in the days past, it would seem that it still continues to do so now.

The Japanese Kimono: A Style for Every Occasion is a post from: Japanese Antiquities