Yana Fenech: Cultural context. Japanese.

Japanese Fashion.

History of kimonos.

‘’kimonos’’ was the Japanese word for clothing, but after the years, the word has been used to refer to the traditional Japanese clothing.

Kimonos came into being during Heian period between 794-1192

Before kimonos people used to wear separate clothing, meaning upper and lower garment, like skirts and trousers or a one piece clothing.

Kimonos where made by a straight line method, it involved cutting pieces of fabric in a straight line and sewing them together, so it was easier for the tailors. Kimonos where ways to fold and suitable for all weathers, they could even be worn in layers.

Over time people took more interest in kimonos and started making them in different colour combinations.

Kimonos make grew into an art form and kimonos became more valuable by time.

Nowadays Japanese people rarely wear kimonos and wear them on special occasions like weddings, funerals, tea ceremonies and other special events.

Japanese Pottery.

Kutani is a famous pottery tradition. Kutani ware is a type of pottery style fist made by goto sajiro in Japan. He set up a kiln in his village and started experimenting. This potter style is know for its multiple colours that include greens, yellows, purples and reds. Sometimes the plates include gold with bold designs covering most of the surface of the pieces. Birds do appear quite often on these type of plates.

Kutani show a Chinese influence. These plates are highly desirable and sought after.

Japanese Temari.

Japanese Temari is known as a symbol of perfection. It is highly cherished and valuable gift.

The earliest traces of the Temari history starts in the Nara period. As Buddhist travelled east from India to china and Korea to Japan. They didn’t only spread religious beliefs but culture too, in the ancient game known as KemariFootball. They players this game with a ball that was probably made from dear skin.

The ladies from the Nobel families (Herain Period)

Began using silk threads to embroidered and wined them into decorate balls. The ladies even competed against each other in making the most colourful and beautiful patterns medieval era approached in the 1400 – 16000 century, street performance where know to use the balls for juggling. Temari was handed down from generation to another. It also became popular in other towns. Today this traditional Japanese folk art, has been revised in newly designs and different patterns. You must train and be talented to make these Temari balls, because it’s not an easy technique and it takes a long time to becoming a master at making Temari balls.