Japonaiserie (Victorian Culture)

Illustration with very visible Japonaiserie aspects

I recently came across a question about using Japanese items in a Victorian setting. I recalled a movement, which I detailed below, called Japonaiserie, which briefly explains how Japanese influences impacted Victorian Culture...

After opening of trade between Japan and the West, artists begin buying Japanese art, usually prints rather than original works. The resulting movement, Japonaiserie, becomes an influence on modern art. Degas, Manet, and Monet, among the impressionists, all collect Japanese prints; somewhat later, so does Van Gogh. Japanese furniture influences French interior design as well. Japonaiserie has some influence on the general public, who may not appreciate all the aesthetic nuances, but find Japan quaint, exotic, or charming.

Stoddard, W.H. (2000) - Gurps Steampunk, pg. 119, SJG:Austin
[edited for removal of game specific content]



The original "Ohashi bridge in the rain", by U. Hiroshige (top), and Van Gogh's "Bridge in the Rain" (bottom)

So, in response to the inquiry, I would say it would be perfectly fine, as long as you make an attempt to ensure it fits the goals of the movment. If one wishes to research this topic further, please consider the following linkages:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japonism
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ukiyo-e
http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/jpon/hd_jpon.htm
http://lotusgreenfotos.blogspot.com/
http://www.victorianweb.org/art/design/simmons10.html
http://www.answers.com/topic/japonaiserie?cat=entertainment
http://www.artelino.com/articles/van_gogh_japonisme.asp

Cherry Tokyo's Kimono

I went on a shopping trip to one of Cherry Tokyo's Kimono shops at Boracay Island (http://slurl.com/secondlife/Boracay%20Island/168/80/25) in search of a furisode kimono.

I had been there a few times before contemplating on getting a kimono for some time now....I remember that Cherry had furisodes-sooo what better way to wrap up the furisode kimono topic than with one of Cherry Tokyo's Kimonos! :)

I browsed around the store and found a variety fo beautiful kimono styles, other Asian wear, and some menswear. Hey Fellas! Cherry said that she is expanding the menswear line this week!

She has new kimonos out that come with: flexi skirt prims, basic shoes, Oiran and a Geisha/Maiko obi, flexi sleeves, uchikake (Japanese overcoat) & prim arm sleeves, 3 tiered prim collar, skirt, glitch pants, shirt, & a body shape.

Well, I have made my selection. I purchased the green furisode kimono. The cost for this kimono was $400L which includes at least 11 pieces (skirt, sleeves, shirt, collar, fans, and obi). I head home to take more photos.

I would suggest that you join her update group (search in "All" and enter: Cherry Tokyo's Kimono) for sales and freebies.

I also suggest that you check out her blog Cherry Tokyo's Kimonos for the newest outfits, updates, and sales. I missed a recent sale! LOL!

Here is a view of the furisode kimono with Sensu and Maiko collar. A geisha collar is included as an option.

The obi bow and sleeves are flexible. I took various shots so that you can see the fabric detail.

I like this colors of this kimono. I will purchase another kimono from this vendor......however, while I was at the store there were a few Korean outfits that has caught my eye for a possible future topic.....hummmmm....giggles!

The Wrap Up

Here is a listing of Cherry Tokyo's Kimonos Store SLURLs:
Main Store

House of Blade Mall

Semple Truth Densetsu

Nippon 'E'

Let me know if you want to know more detail about the vendor, outfit, or other information in future posts, or past posts. Hugs!

Kimono (Furisode) Dressing

This is so far the best example of furisode dressing and a young lady's preparation for the Coming of Age day (Seijin shiki) that I could find. The clip highlights detailed work involved in putting a beautiful outfit together. You will see some of the layering, tying, and fabric placement that is involved in dressing in a furisode.

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

Men's kimonos - an introduction

Parts of a man’s kimono, with explanations of both formal & informal wear

Thanks for the opportunity to add to your blog, Artesia! I’m going over some men’s kimonos, as it isn’t a topic that is often touched upon. Most guys who arrive in-world, and want to involve themselves in a Japanese/Martial Arts/Oriental background and/or rp will usually look for a good weapon (mostly katanas – at least to start)… and then realize that they need to look the part, not just have a good-looking weapon (your skills, on the other hand – that’s your problem)! There are plenty of flashy anime-type uniforms (no, I’m not knocking them – I have plenty of them myself), but for those who wish to indulge in a more authentic-type Japanese background, you’re going to need a kimono.

Display of a man’s tiger kimono

There are essentially two main groups of men’s kimonos in SL, formal and informal. Formal kimonos tend to be really sharp, but … expensive. Informal kimonos are the opposite (lol), they are really basic (muted colors), but cost little to nothing. Yes, there are freebees out there, but… you get what you pay for! If you go cheap, it’ll show (generally speaking). So, if you want your ninja/samurai/monk to impressive or have more intricate detail to his garments, you’re going to have to spend some money.

Man wearing black kimono with incense

ChaosSun Woebegon has provided really inexpensive kimonos for men, in white and black, for $L1 each – you can go to slexchange to obtain one…

http://www.slexchange.com/modules.php?name=Marketplace&file=item&ItemID=59168
http://www.slexchange.com/modules.php?name=Marketplace&file=item&ItemID=59167

Example of Men’s black kimonoAnd… a couple articles on rl mens kimonos – just so you know how it really works (lol)!

http://www.japanesekimono.com/mens_kimono.htm
http://thekimonocompany.co.uk/acatalog/kimonos_for_men.php

If anyone knows of other locations for inexpensive (under $L25) kimonos, topical requests on men's garments, or any (constructive) suggestions, please feel free to leave a comment!

Truely Peaceful

This is a picture shot at on the mountain side of Semple Truth (Amatsu Mitsukai 225,222,23).

I am wearing the Konparu Kimono in Pink from BareRose Tokyo

Bare Rose Tokyo

This Kimono was purchased from BareRose Tokyo (BareRose 146, 11, 33) for $150L.

It is called Konparu and it comes in three colors (Black, Pink, and Red).

This is a close up of the pink obi.

Backview of the Konparu Kimono.

Again, for the price you get three kimono, each having an obi, and sode (sleeves) that are flexi and a hair pin.

Kimono Fashion Show: Japanese Bliss

This Youtube video called Japanese Bliss: Kimono features a Kimono fashion show in Los Angeles 2006.

The Kimono

"Reflection in Mirror"by Hirano Hakuho, 1932

The House of Zen post was a great learning experience and fun. I have learned that many people enjoy wearing kimono in SL as much or more that I do!

I would like to ask my fellow bloggers to submit to me the names of any Second Life (SL) shoppes that sell Kimono! I'd like to compile a list of vendors that sell Kimono. If you'd like to add info about the contents includes, quality, or price, that would be great too!

I am also learning about kimono. Here is a good basic description of a kimono from Wikipedia:

The kimono (着物, kimono? literally "something worn") is the national costume of
Japan. Originally the word "kimono" referred to all types of clothing, but it
has come to mean specifically the full-length traditional garment worn by women,
men, and children.Kimonos are T-shaped, straight-lined robes that fall to the
ankle, with collars and wide, full-length sleeves.

Kimono are wrapped around the body, always with the left side over the right and secured by a wide belt called an obi, which is tied at the back. Kimono are generally worn with traditional footwear (especially geta, thonged wood-platform footwear; and zori, a type of thong-like footwear) and split-toe socks (tabi).

Kimono are made of silk and are usually very expensive. The style and color of a Kimono may depend on the occasion, the age and the marital status of the person wearing it. Today, they are worn at formal or traditional occasions such as funerals, wedding, or tea ceremonies.

Finally, I learned that the plural of kimono is......kimono! lol! I plan to go into more detail regarding the different styles of kimono and accessories as I blog along. One thing for sure blogging like SL is addictive. Perhaps the two go hand in hand! LOL!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kimono

http://hanga.com/viewimage.cfm?ID=1021

http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2101.html

House of Zen

Well, this is my first visit in my journey to search for culturally and/or historically inspired clothing in Second Life.(SL). I love wearing a Kimono, so I did a search in SL to see what was out there. I came upon a store called The House of Zen. Hummm sounds like a great place to start!

As you can tell in the picture above, the store is beautifully and richly designed. The owners of the House of Zen located in Hinode Shima (195, 98, 25) are Zen Deledda & Racknar Prevost. It is located in a beautifully designed Asian themed Sim. Zen and Raccknar’s clothing prices range from 50L to 1500L.

I purchased the blue silk Tsunami Kimono.

Raf is looking over the men's line.

The House of Zen has a large selection of Oriental clothing as well as hair, shoes and accessories for men and women. A few of the Oriental influences were of Chinese, Japanese, and Korean in nature. They are currently setting up their blog to keep customers aware of the latest fashion and other information (http://the-house-of-zen.blogspot.com/).

"Honey...I have my eye on another outfit OK?" (lol).

So then I took a stroll around the Hinode Shima Sim and found other shops there that are worth checking out. I found a hot-looking Yellow Salsa dress on sale that I could not pass up!

I wandered further to find that the beautiful and peaceful Sim has a mountain side with waterfalls and quiet areas. I can imagine the owners retreating to this area to relax and meditate.

Ahhh, yes this was indeed a fun adventure! But I must go now to...meditate! *smiles