Sawako Lilly's October Kimono

For the month of October, Sawako Lilly models her autumn furisode (long sleeved) kimono, direct from Japan, made by the talented local artisan Suzuya Endo. Each kimono is one of a kind and unique, made from antique silk kimonos! ^_^ It's a sea of falling leaves and fall flowers on a backdrop of blue sky. I adore the details on this kimono, both the large patterns of the old, traditional cart, as well as the smaller patterns.

The star like colored leaves are momiji leaves, which is the Japanese maple tree and a very classic pattern for colder month kimonos.

The small clusters of flowers are kiku or chrysanthemums, which is the symbol of the Japanese Emperor. It is considered an autumn/winter flower and is also a very common motif on kimonos.

The obi matches the kiku or chrysanthamum pattern, but contrasts with a light green, grass colored backgroup, making it stand out boldly and compliments the sky backdrop of furisode. The obijime (tie) is a light lavender and the obiage (scarf which hides some of the knots from tying the obi) is a lovely deep orange and shibori dyed (the round squares dying pattern which is traditionally the pattern for the scarf worn with the furisode formal level kimono).

Details of front panel:

The back of the kimono is not any less detailed. The patterns and designs of the front carry over to the back as well and we see more kiku, traditional carts, momiji, and even botan or peonies.

Close up of the wheel of a traditional cart sitting in a bed of botan. I love the details of the tiny kiku on the edges of the wheels:

The obi musubi (knot) is in the fukura sukume design (plump sparrow). It is a formal musubi and usually only worn with furisode kimonos.

Close up of the back top of the right sleeve

Close up of kiku and botan on the bottom panels of the back of the furisode.

Small momiji patterns hidden near the nape of the neck:

The furisode without the obi belt. You can see that the patterns and designs don't stop but continue over the body with more kiku.

Close up of kiku across the front of the body of the furisode, normally hidden by the obi belt.

Kimonos are always worn with the left flap over the right. If you wear it right side over left, it means you are dead and in your burial kimono, the only time where the kimono is worn right on top of left. Even so, I like that this furisode still has a beautiful traditional cart hidden on the right panel. Many kimonos have small, secret patterns that are hidden when fully dressed, and only known to the wearer. It's one of the exciting, and fun things about kimonos that I love! ^_^