Jūnihitoe

The "jūnihitoe" (十二単) is an extremely elegant and highly complex "kimono" that was only worn by court-ladies in Japan. Literally translated it means "twelve-layer robe".

The "jūnihitoe" started to appear around the 10th century during the Heian-Era. The various layers are silk garments. The innermost garment is made of white silk, followed by other layers which have various names, which are finally closed off by a final layer or coat. The total weight could add up to 20 kilograms.

The colours and the arrangements of the layers are very important. The colours have poetic names, such as "crimson plum of the spring". The only place where the layers are discernible is around the sleeves and the neck. The arrangements of the layers and their colours were a good indication to any outsider what taste and what rank the lady had. Apart from their robes, Japanese court ladies also wore their hair very long, only cut at the sides of their faces in a layered fashion; the longer hair was sometimes worn tied back.

An important accessory was an elaborate fan, which could be tied together by a rope when folded. This was used by the lady not only to cool herself, since it could get very hot, but it was also an important communication device. Since a lady was not allowed to speak face-to-face to a male outsider, she could hold her sleeve up or use her opened fan to shield herself from inquiring looks. Communication to a suitor had to follow with her normally hiding behind the "sudare" (screen or blinds) in any case. The suitor could only see the sleeves of her "jūnihitoe" that were peeking underneath the blinds. This practice was prominent during the Heian-Era, being frequently and accurately described in the Tale of Genji (jp: "Genji monogatari").

The movement in such a robe could be difficult due to its weight. Ladies actually slept in their "jūnihitoe" sometimes, using it as a form of pajamas. Layers could be shed or kept, depending on the season and the night temperatures. During the Muromachi-Era, however, the dress was sometimes reduced to five robes (known as a "five-layer robe").

Today the "jūnihitoe" can only be seen in museums or in movies. Production of "jūnihitoe" has almost died out. These robes are priceless and are one of the most expensive items of Japanese clothing. Only the Imperial Household still uses them at some important functions. During the wedding of Masako, Crown Princess of Japan to the crown prince, she wore a "jūnihitoe" for the official ceremony. The "jūnihitoe" was also worn by Empress Michiko during the enthronement ceremony of Emperor Akihito in 1990. Her ladies-in-waiting were all wearing the "jūnihitoe", however in modified form from the Edo period, not the Heian style.

The Saiō Matsuri "Saiō Festival" is held every in Meiwa, Mie and showcases Heian era dresses.

The Layers of the jūnihitoe

The layers of the Jūnihitoe consist of: [ [http://www.clotheslinejournal.com/heian.html The Juni-hito of Heian Japan] ]

* The undergarments: Usually a two-piece cotton or silk garment.
* "Kosode": A short silk red or white robe of ankle or lower calf length.
* "Hakama": A red pleated split skirt which can also be worn by men.
* "Hitoe": A light white, red or blue unlined robe.
* "Uchigi": A series of brightly coloured unlined robes that create a layered effect.
* "Uchiginu": A beaten scarlet silk robe worn as a stiffener and support for the outer robes.
* "Uwagi": A patterned woven and decorated silk robe than is shorter and narrower than the "Uchiginu".
* "Karaginu": A waist length Chinese style jacket.

References

Notes

* There is a Japanese band of the same name (see 12. Hitoe).

See also

* "sokutai"

External links

* [http://www.iz2.or.jp/english/fukusyoku/wayou/index.htm The Costume Museum | The Heian Period]
* [http://www.genji54.com/hakubi/Hakubi%20in%20Toronto/junihitoe.htm Image of a "jūnihitoe"]
* [http://www.britannica.com/eb/topic-308275/juni-hitoe Encyclopaedia Britannica: Juni Hitoe]
* [http://profile.imageshack.us/user/junihitoe/ Gallery of Junihitoe Images]
* [http://www.sengokudaimyo.com/garb/garb.ch14.html]

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