Learning the “Iki” of Edo, Tokyo: The Edo Komon Kimono as a Symbol of “Iki”
Learning the “Iki” of Edo, Tokyo: The Edo Komon Kimono as a Symbol of “Iki” I have introduced the town of Kagurazaka in Shinjuku Ward and the Kagurazaka Geisha as embodying “Iki” several times in our blog. This time, I will tell you about how the Edo Komon kimono, produced by the local dyeing industry in Shinjuku Ward, is the epitome of “Iki.” The history of Komon dyeing patterns on kimonos is said to date back to the Muromachi period (1336-1573). The foundation of Edo Komon can be traced to the Kamishimo, formal attire worn by samurai during the Edo period (1603-1868). It is said that the Daimyo of that time devised unique patterns for their family crests and competed with their designs. The Edo Komon Kimono as a Symbol of “Iki” The refined taste of dyeing intricate patterns in a single color, which characterizes Edo Komon, eventually transcended class boundaries and became widely loved by the general public. During the Edo period, luxurious clothing was prohibited by the shogunate’s sumptuary laws. In such times, Edo Komon was embraced as a subtle form of sophistication and elegance, becoming popular among the common people. The Birth of “Iki”: Cultural Flourishing
