Furisode

The furisode is a formal style of kimono that is made of fine and brightly colored silk. The long sleeves of the distinguished the furisode from the other kimono.

Furisode translated means swinging (furi) sleeves (sode). The sleeve length can average between 39 to 42 inches.

Furisodes are typically worn by unmarried women in Japan during formal social function like tea and wedding ceremonies. They are also commonly rented or purchased by parents for their daughters to wear when celebrating Seijin-no-hi or Coming of Age Day.

Seijinshiki is on the second Monday of January, and celebrated by those daughters and sons who turn 20 years old. The 20-year-olds gather for a special ceremony to celebrate reaching adulthood. The guys also dress in their best hakama, but today many of them wear suits. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Furisode

Here is a pic of a group of ladies celebrating their Coming of Age Day. I am imaging their smiles reflect a happy day for them and a proud day for their parents.

I thought this young lady was a perfect model of a furisode. She is celebrating her Coming of Age Day.

Here is a back shot of this young ladies furisode. You can see the beautiful detail of the obi.

A very proud and happy family!

http://gallery.thejon.org/seijinshiki

The pictures reflect beauty, structure, tradition of the furisode kimono. Yes, the furisode is a beautiful garment, but I think they young ladies make them even more beautiful!

Website of Interests

I ran across this website (http://www.bookmice.net/darkchilde/japan/jkimono.html). This site discusses kimonos historically and the types of kimonos. There is a topic on furisode which include vintage furisode pictures.

This is a blog that contains more Coming of Age Pictures: http://www.thingsasian.com/stories-photos/1802