|
The 'Uchikake' Wedding Kimono is a
precious silk with heavy brocading and embroidery. Until the Edo period
in Japan, it was only worn by Noble or Samuri women on very special
occassions. Since this time, the Uchikake has become an integral part
of a Japanese wedding ceremony. The Uchikake is worn like a robe over
another Kimono called a "Kakeshita", which is tied with an 'Obi' - a
heavily brocaded silk sash.
(Kimono
Collections will be producing another range of handbags from Obi early
in 2007...so please join the mailing list for pre release information)
The majority of traditional Uchikake in
Japan are created on an orange-red silk base. This color was
historically believed to ward off evil spirits. Other colours make the
Uchikake even rarer - I search for these on my treasure hunts in Japan.
Motif's on the Uchikake are usually those of a congratulatory nature
such as Cranes, Pine, Cascading water, Cherry Blossoms and Ceremonial
Carts. Many famous designers create one off designs for an Uchikake.
True pieces of Art.
In the last few years there has been a
trend away from marrying traditionally in Japan. Partly due to the
extensive cost of a traditional ceremony and partly a Westernisation of
the ceremony. It is estimated that only 15-20% of Brides in Japan are
now marrying traditionally and the Uchikake is becoming rarer and
rarer. As this most precious of traditions seems to be running the risk
of skipping a generation, I hope to add a new dimension of appreciation
of the Uchikake through my Kimono Collections useable Art. I search for
the most pristine of Uchikake and i hope that their beauty is talked of
world-wide so that the art of making an Uchikake Kimono does not die.
When you carry an Uchikake Kimono
Classic handbag, you are also carrying and continuing the life of the '
story' behind your treasure's beginnings as a wedding Kimono. From
experience, I have no doubt that you will have many ocassions to share
the story with admirers of your precious wearable piece of art.
Many Uchikake find their way into flea
markets and become water marked and unloved. It takes Artisans a
lifetime to perfect this art, I am hoping to create a new life for the
Uchikake (and the Artisans) to last my lifetime and beyond as a
wearable piece of art.
|
