ancient japanese fashion

During the ancient times, the courts of Japan copied the courts of China, where fashion and clothing was concerned. In fact, historical findings that date back to the Han Dynasty, 200 BCE to 200 CE, show that the people of Japan wore clothes identical to those worn by the people of China, at all levels of society. According to the experts this is not a surprising finding, as the Japanese are known to have established large scale trade relations with the nations surrounding them.

Ancient Japanese fashion during the Sui and Tang, late 6th century to the early part of the the 10th century, was also largely influenced by the Chinese fashion stylists. During the year 718, the Japanese Yoro Clothing Code had brought about clothing restrictions that are believed to have been completely influenced by the Chinese Tang codes. It was during this period that Kimono came to be worn as left over right wrapping.

Later during the early Heian Period, 894, when the diplomatic relations between Japan and China were ended, Japan began to create its own native style of clothing. It was then that much detail was provided to the Japanese clothing fashion in terms of color, combination and textures of the varied fabrics that was used to create the fine clothes worn by the men and women, alike.

Post the Heian Period came the Kamakura Period. This was a stark era, clouded mainly in functionality, as against the previous era of excesses in court life. The many layers of the Heian period were done away with, and were replaced by the more functional garments for the men and women of Japan. The next era, the Muromachi Period, heralded a return to decadence in the form of more elaborate robes.

With the Momoyama Period, Japan witnessed a return to Heian style of traditional Japanese fashion. This period has been termed as the age of decadence. The fashion of this period was largely gaudy in color, with clashing fabric ensembles. There was an abundance of gold leaf and embroidery. The Tale of Genji became the popular garment-motif decoration.