Tracey in ct asked about what Leiya was holding besides the handbag. (Takumi was holding one in his picture too). That is a paper bag that has a long piece of white candy in it called Chitoseame which translates as "thousand year candy". I think it is supposed to symbolize long life and health and there is a drawing of a turtle and a crane on it. Takumi is also holding a fan (Leiya has one tucked in the obi) and I think someone told me that this represents a sword!
Tonya asked about damaged kimonos and what happens to them. I have no idea but traditionally women's old and damaged kimonos were remade into children's kimonos. I know that I can occasionally find scraps of kimono fabric being sold in kimono shops, left overs from making a kimono, but remember there is very little cutting involved when sewing a kimono so not many scraps result. At any rate, they are usually silk and even the scraps are very dear and expensive. I've never bought any since I've never worked in silk.
I have bought old kimonos at recycle shops but there is a wide price range even there. Occasionally I have found some for less than $15 and bought a couple but usually they run quite a bit more and here again, I don't know what to do with them after I have them.
Did you know that kimonos are taken completely apart for cleaning? I'm sure nowadays you can have some kimonos dry cleaned but I think people fear that the kimonos will be damaged and instead go the traditional way of taking out all the stitches, removing lining etc., professionally having it washed (I don't know how) and then having the whole kimono re-sewn by hand again. (Heaven forbid that a sewing machine would be used on a kimono!) You can see why a kimono is expensive and you certainly don't want to spill something on it. Maybe another reason why gentile Japanese ladies move with such small, delicate grace especially when wearing a kimono!
Quiltingfitzy commented that Leiya looked so serious in her formal picture. And the earlier pictures when the kids were 3 and 5, no smiles whatsoever! This is true in all formal picture taking (weddings too!), nobody smiles! Quiltingfitzy also asked about the family picture and I decided to go ahead and post it even though Tetsu and I are gray haired nowadays, and none of us look anything like we did over 10 years ago. Ah well. You will notice we are SMILING!
11 comments:
Thank you, thank you, for the lovely family picture, even if you are smiling and it's not a recent picture. It's still very nice, especially after reading the most interesting story of the kimonos. No, I'm not tired of the stories yet.
Love the family photo.
Nope, not tired of the photos yet. My son got married last year and I also thought it was crazy to spend the money we did and his wedding was less than the typical one. We also have some nice photos...maybe I should pull the album out more frequently :)
I love reading about kimonos. Nice to see smiling faces in a formal family photo.
I am so fascinated by every aspect of your life in Japan. Everything has its purpose and its place and that is so amazing to me in its beauty and its simplicity. The kimono photos and stories are just a lovely part of all of that and very, very interesting. Thank you as always for allowing us these peeks into your life.
THANK YOU! The family picture was WONDERFUL! Leiya looks just like you! Such a terrific family.
thank you. the more I hear about kimonos (oh the trouble even getting them on and the obi tied and now you have to take them apart for washing???) the more I'm amazed anyone ever wore them. wow, how complicated. I don't think I'll be tired of kimono pictures - the fabric is always so gorgeous and I really am fascinated by the cultural aspects of them.
I was thinking that you were holding out on the family picture for another post. I'm glad you showed it to us. You have a wonderful family, and all of you look wonderful in the photo. I do have some fabric and a pattern for a kimono, although I haven't started to make one yet.
The last time I was in Tokyo, visiting a friend we went to a second hand market where I bought three haori. Can't remember what I paid for them but I love the fabric.
I never tire of your stories! Your family is beautiful. Thanks for sharing.
Vanessa
I love hearing your stories about Japanese traditions. The Shichi-Go-San sounds like a lovely way to celebrate milestones in a child's life. Those kimono are beautiful!
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