Mihoe

I've been trying to make a picture catalogue of my kimono collection for insurance and organization needs, and I thought I might put it up here for everyone's amusement (and in case my other copies of it get lost).

This is a Heisei period irotomesode with a design of famous sites in Kyoto done in urushi. Urushi means lacquer, and in the kimono world it's when threads have been lacquered and woven into a design. I see it most commonly on haori, and sometimes in komon. I hardly ever see it used the way it is in this irotomesode, and I think it's absolutely brilliant.

I believe three famous sites in and around Kyoto are displayed on this irotomesode. There is Kiyomizu Temple [link] , Ginkakuji [link] , and the bridge I'm not so sure about. It could be Togetsukyo Bridge near Arashiyama... or it could be Sanjo or Shijo bridge before they were rebuilt. I'm not sure. Also of interest is the fact that the artist's name is woven on the inside panel of this kimono. When I have more time, I'm going to research him/her.

For a name, I chose Mihoe by combining the kanji for capital, treasure, and blessed/loved. So, something along the lines of blessed treasures of the capital (aka Kyoto).