Chinese kimono maybe will become you favorite
In the world’s rich tapestry of cultures, as we immerse ourselves in the beauty of traditional Chinese clothing, our gaze can also turn to the Chinese kimono.
It is widely recognized that the kimono is a product of the East Asian cultural sphere, and upon closer inspection, one can discern traces of Chinese influence within it. These traces bear the characteristics of ancient Chinese garments, indicating that the roots of the kimono are indeed in China.
With the global resurgence of interest in cultural heritage, there has been an increasing appreciation for the kimono, with individuals donning these traditional attires to experience their unique cultural charm.
Concurrently, to cater to diverse aesthetic preferences, the Chinese-style kimono has also undergone some localized transformations. What kind of sparks might arise from the interaction between Chinese and Japanese kimonos?
The Initial Style of the Kimono
Japan, as our neighboring country, shares not only geographical proximity but also a deep cultural connection with us. When tracing the development of the kimono, it becomes evident that it is a fruit of ancient Chinese clothing culture. This culture spread abroad and, after undergoing modifications, eventually evolved into the kimono as we know it today.
The kimono was originally referred to as “Wufu,” a term derived from the Eastern Wu region of China during the Three Kingdoms period. Due to the Wu region’s coastal location and its close geographic ties with Japan, frequent trade exchanges took place between the two regions. Consequently, many textiles and clothing styles from the Wu region were introduced to Japan.
The Wufu featured narrow sleeves and an oblique front closure, with a single color palette designed for practicality in daily labor. Early Japan adopted these features, laying the groundwork for the initial style of the kimono. Significant changes occurred during the Tang Dynasty.
The Kimono During the Tang Dynasty
During the prosperous Tang Dynasty, with its strong international exchanges and growing national power, Chinese culture and politics exerted a significant influence over neighboring countries. To learn from this advanced culture and political system, Japan dispatched envoys to the Tang Dynasty. These envoys brought back classic Tang Dynasty clothing styles to Japan, including center-fastened garments, right-side slits, wide sleeves, long skirts, and crosswise necklines.
Japan began to emulate Tang Dynasty fashion, incorporating elements such as sleeveless upper garments, wide sleeves, and layered garments into the kimono. By integrating these styles with domestic realities and blending them with indigenous customs, Japan gradually shaped the kimono into its current form.
Current Styles of the Kimono
Today’s kimono styles include long sleeves, blackKimono, layered garments, belts, and small patterns . The overall style of the kimono features varying colors representing different emotions and seasons. The loose sleeves and wrapped body form the basic silhouette of the kimono, which is further adorned with different patterns. The main patterns on Japanese kimonos are floral, symbolizing the changing seasons.
Innovative Integration of the Kimono into Local Culture.The kimono is now being innovatively integrated into local cultural contexts, exuding a distinctive new flavor of Chinese tradition.
Designers are boldly cutting and reconstructing the traditional structure of the kimono, combining its overall straight silhouette with Chinese elements. They have redesigned the length and tailoring of furisode, moving beyond the traditional loose or hanging silhouette to create more three-dimensional and slimming fits that emphasize modern functionality. Additionally, traditional Chinese buttons and standing collars are incorporated, while belt styles are enhanced with unique silk sashes, adding a unique Eastern charm to the revamped kimono.
Beyond clothing transformations, the kimono’s elements are also being printed on sweatshirts and skirts to create new fashion items. Designers reinterpret the kimono by adhering to the design philosophy of “taking the essence without being confined to form.” The presence of ink wash paintings and floral and bird patterns in designs reflects a shared Eastern aesthetic sensibility.
From the cultural integration of the Nara period to the innovative expressions of contemporary fashion, there has always been a dynamic interaction between the kimono and Chinese clothing. This interaction is characterized by a new wisdom of mutual learning and cultural integration.
