Ha No Aki Hikizuri

This type of kimono, a kuromontsuki hikizuri (susohiki), is worn by a maiko (apprentice geisha) who has just debuted, during the most formal events. This could be events like Misedashi (the debut of a maiko) and Hassaku (the Giving of Thanks: the event when maiko and geiko express their gratitude to their teachers and the owners of all establishments and teahouses they have a relationship with and others). Also during New Year on other, special occasions this type of kimono is worn. On events like these, a maiko will always wear a golden-coloured obi, but without the usual obijime (the cord that holds the entire obi, and by proxy the whole outfit together).

Kuromontsuki can be recognised by the black fabric and the use of (ka)mon, or family crests. This type of kimono is always decorated with three or five mon. This specific kimono has five crests, designed one on each breast, two on the sleeves and one on the nape.

You can see by the colour of the eri – the collar of the kimono – that this is a kimono for a very young maiko. A maiko’s eri is normally red and embroided with a white motif, but during her misedashi she will wear a red collar that is decorated with mostly gold and white (though other colours can be used too). An example of which can be seen here.

This is a magnificent kimono from the Taisho (1912-1925) or early Showa period (Showa:1926-1989). This piece has a very elegant design of maple leaf, pine tree, chrysanthemum and ume blossom motifs, which are all dyed with yuzen technique. Many parts are added embroidery. Its design is graceful and has a lot of authentic Japanese elements in it.