Edo Maiko Hikizuri

This hikizuri has a tied obiage, which is worn only by the most senior maiko, who will have their eri-kae somewhere within the next few months.

This is the kimono of a senior maiko; the red-coloured collar is completely covered in the front in white embroidery, indicating the maiko has completed three to five years of her apprenticeship - however, her obiage is tucked behind the obi, meaning that her eri-kae is only a short time away. This raspberry coloured hikizuri has a design of shikunshi'( orchid, chrysanthemum, ume blossom & bamboo ) painted on it and a black border that was often seen on kimono during the Edo era. Combined with the obi, which has a design of takara, bobbin and flowers in a bold bamboo shape pattern, this outfit is perfect to wear during the cold Winter months.

"Hikizuri" means that the kimono has a longer length than a usual one and is worn by geisha and maiko, apprentice geisha. What is more iconic than the geisha in her hikizuri? The hem of a hikizuri, or tailing kimono, would drape on the floor and swirl gracefully as the geiko or maiko stands, and of course, as she dances.

The susohiki is mostly worn by geisha or by stage performers of the traditional Japanese dance. It is quite long, compared to regular kimono, because the skirt is supposed to trail along the floor. Susohiki literally means "trail the skirt". Where a normal kimono for women is normally 1.5–1.6 m (4.7–5.2 ft) long, a susohiki can be up to 2 m (6.3 ft) long. This is also why geisha and maiko lift their kimono skirt when walking outside, also to show their beautiful underkimono or "nagajuban".

You can find the same kimono with a flat (regular maiko) obiage here.