Special Sub-Topic: Traditional Japanese Textiles Authored by: wajo Sub-topic of: Asian Cultures

Cotton was originally an imported luxury item and it wasn't widely cultivated and worn until the 18th century. Before that, work clothes were made from hemp and other bast-fibres. Which of these fibres is not traditionally used in Japan?

flax. Bast- fibre fabrics weren't only used in work clothes. The weavers of many fine ramie kimono fabrics, for example, could never have afforded to buy such a kimono themselves!

On what occasion would a man wear a white kimono?

his own funeral. Female corpses are also usually dressed in white. The only other time women wear all white is on their wedding day. Interesting symbolism!

Late-Edo and Meiji period 'Sashiko hikeshi hanten' firemen's jackets are prized by collectors for their all-over sashiko quilting and their bold, colourful figurative designs. What is the origin of these designs?

tattoos. Fierce dragons and Samurai designs seemed to have been especially popular. The jackets were reversible so the pattern was worn on the inside while the firemen were working and then on the outside as the brigade proudly marched through town when their job was done.

One of the most common 20th century kimono fabrics was a mass-produced silk or synthetic ikat which utilized the modern synthetic dyes and mechanized looms which had been introduced from Europe during the Meiji era. What is it called?

meisen. Meisen producers not only looked to Europe for new techniques, but for designs as well. Meisen kimono from the 1920s and 30s often have bright, bold abstract designs inspired by modern European painters.

An easier one to finish with...Which of these is not an item of clothing?

noren. Noren are the split doorway curtains that you see both in Japanese homes and over the entrance to businesses such as restaurants and bath-houses.