What is the pillow on the back of a kimono for?

Their traditional use was as an informal obi for children and men, and though historically would have been inappropriate for women to wear, the heko obi is now also worn by young girls and women with modern, informal kimono and yukata.

What is the purpose of an obi?

The main purpose of an obi is to secure a kimono and keep it closed. But nowadays, obis for women’s kimonos are more extravagant and can rival a peacock’s feathers. They are made wider, more decorative , with under-sashes and ribbons, and there are several ways to tie knots.

What are the parts of a kimono called?

These terms refer to parts of a kimono:

• Dōura ( 胴裏 ): the upper lining of a kimono.
• Hakkake ( 八掛 ): the lower lining of a kimono.
• Eri ( 衿 ): the collar.
• Fuki ( 袘 ): the hem guard.
• Furi ( 振り ): lit., “dangling” — the part of the sleeve left hanging below the armhole.

What is a Koshihimo?

Koshihimo are soft, wide strings, usually pink or white, used to tie the kimono or yukata and keep it from opening.

How does a geisha sleep?

Shinaka, who left school earlier this year, will not be back for at least another week: geisha and maiko sleep on their sides, balancing their heads on a takamakura, a specially shaped hard, high pillow that supports their neck but leaves their hair untouched.

What is kimono sleeve?

Definition of kimono sleeve : a sleeve cut in one piece with the bodice.

What is a haori HIMO?

The haori (羽織) is a traditional Japanese hip- or thigh-length jacket worn over a kimono. The haori is usually tied at the front with two short cords, known as haori himo, which attach to small loops sewn inside the garment.

Where did the kimono originate from?

Though the kimono is a decidedly Japanese form of dress, it is said that its roots are from China. The earliest form of kimono was worn as a type of undergarment, gaining popularity in Japan during the Muromachi period (1392–1573), when they began to be worn without hakama (traditional Japanese trousers), and paired with a sash called an obi.

What is a kimono koshihimo?

The koshihimo (腰紐), which means “hip ribbon,” is a thin piece of fabric that is used to hold the kimono together before tying the more complicated obi. These silk, wool or soft cotton cords are not seen on the outside, but rather are under the obi. The kimono set isn’t complete without traditional footwear. Here are the terms you need to know:

How to put on a kimono in Japanese?

Putting on a kimono is called kitsuke in Japanese. According to the Japanese fashion designer and journalist Junichi Nakahara (1913-1983) kitsuke is as important for kimono as design is for western clothing: the way you wear your kimono changes the look completely. But don’t worry, it can be easy to do.

Why is the belt tied in front of the kimono?

After wearing the “Uchikake” (over robe) the Oiran was supposed to drag it. Unlike the Geisha kimono, I had a “Manaita Obi” which was tied in the front. There are several reasons why the belt was tied in front: to make it easy to untie in bed, to show off the wealth of the client and to show the vain of the Oiran.