This item is an obi (oh-bee), a large sash used in traditional Japanese clothing for women. The obi functions as the tie used to keep traditional Japanese robes, known as kimono (kee-moh-no) secured in place. The obi is wrapped around the woman’s waist over the kimono and is tied in a large knot behind her back.
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What is an obi in Japanese clothing?
obi, wide sash or belt made of satin or a stiff silk material, worn since ancient times in Japan to secure the kimono. A woman’s obi is about 12 feet (370 cm) long and 10 inches (25 cm) wide; a man’s obi is about three-fourths as long and one-sixth as wide.
Is an obi a sash?
The obi, meaning “sash” in Japanese, was traditionally worn by both men and women, beginning around the 16th century. Men’s sashes are typically narrow strips of fabric, while women’s can be more than 12 inches (30 cm) wide. Obis can be very long, but may be doubled or tied in elaborate, decorative bows.
What does an obi tied in the front mean?
However, another exception besides oiran were the imperial court ladies who due to having maids and helpers, as well as no need to work, still tied the obi at the front. As a style point it represented a woman of high social rank, even while tying it at the back became more practical and fashionable for everyone else.
What are the pieces of a kimono called?
A standard kimono has at least 5 or 6 parts.
The following is a quick checklist of major kimono parts.
- Nagajuban. Kimono are difficult to clean.
- Datejime. An undersash that’s used to tie your Nagajuban.
- Kimono.
- Obi.
- Hakama.
- Tabi.
- Zori.
- Geta.
What is the purpose of an obi?
The obi functions as the tie used to keep traditional Japanese robes, known as kimono (kee-moh-no) secured in place. The obi is wrapped around the woman’s waist over the kimono and is tied in a large knot behind her back.
What do geishas wear on their back?
An obi (帯) is a belt of varying size and shape worn with both traditional Japanese clothing and uniforms for Japanese martial arts styles.
What is the bow on the back of a kimono called?
What is an Obi Belt? An obi belt is a long decorative belt that is wrapped around the body to wear a Japanese kimono or yukata. They have no fastening, and instead are tied together in a bow or other attractive knot. Obi belts have been made of many materials, including cotton and linen.
How do you display a kimono and obi?
Kimonos are often hung facing the wall, with the ends spread open and clipped to the sleeves to display the full range of colors and back details. If the front of the kimono has beautiful detail, you can hang it facing out instead, with the coordinating obi hanging underneath.
Is it disrespectful to wear a kimono right over left?
For both the nagajuban (kimono underwear) and the kimono there is one important rule. Always wear the left side over the right side. Only dead people have their kimono worn right over left. So unless you are at your own funeral, remember this basic but important rule for wearing a kimono!
Why are kimonos wrapped left over right?
A garment’s sidedness is not something to be reversed lightly. The Chinese considered right-over-left a mark of barbarism. This explains the Japanese decision to abandon their traditional mode. All Japanese robes, including kimono, have wrapped left over right since the Yoro Clothing Code demanded it.
How can you tell if a Japanese kimono is real?
First, the collar of a kimono is made with the same fabric as the body of the kimono. If you see they are made from two different fabrics or colors, then it is either fake, or possibly a juban (underwear for kimono that often has a white collar). Also notice how all three of these come with a matching small thin belt.
Why do kimonos have holes?
It is for ventilation. Because women wear their belts (obi) at a higher position than men, they need that slit to give their arms wider range of motion.
How many layers do geishas wear?
She wears at least five different styles, each one signifying a different stage in her apprenticeship. For instance, a new maiko wears a hairstyle called wareshinobu, which incorporates two strands of red ribbon that signify her innocence.
What does a black kimono mean?
Black Kimono Worn by Bride in the Past
Black colous symbolized the bride’s strong intention to “not be dyed by anyone else”, and it is a kimono that gives an image of “hard chastity” like Shiromuku.
What can you do with an obi?
Large, folded pieces are made with beautiful recycled obi, meant to be displayed as art pieces. They can be used as wall hangings, table centerpieces, or even wrapped around lighting fixtures or flower arrangements.
Why do Geishas sell their virginity?
Geisha are not prostitutes, in the past, the right to take the virginity of a Geisha (mizuage) was sold by the Geisha house. In reality, it was more a sponsorship for the Maiko’s training, which was really expensive. Only the very wealthy could pay for this right.
What happens if a geisha became pregnant?
She would tell the kenban and her okaasan and probably her sisters, too, as generally, pregnancies are happy news and people want to share that. She could start working again at any point after the birth, she can decide herself when she wants to do that, but as far as I can tell, it’s usually less than a year.
What are geishas not allowed to do?
Geisha cannot get married. The rule of this profession is “being married to the art, not a man”. If they want to get married, they have to quit the job. Once they quit, it’s usually impossible to come back, however they can debut from the beginning in a different city, under a different name and rules.
Can you wear a kimono with jeans?
When paired with your favourite pair of jeans, this outfit can create a personal style that is timeless yet on-trend. A combination of old and new, kimonos pair beautifully with a ton of outfits, especially jeans.
What is worn under a yukata?
To prevent sweating on and staining your yukata, you should wear something underneath, preferably cotton, which is the most comfortable and absorbent during hot weather. For women, there are dedicated yukata underwear known as the hadajuban, which can also come in an extended robe-like version.