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

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