Juuni-hitoe

Juuni-hitoe (Twelve-layered ceremonial robe)

Juni-hitoe is a ceremonial robe that was the proper attire for court ladies and daughters of the warrior-class families in the Heian Period(794-1185) and after. It was a modification of the clothing worn by court ladies in the Nara Period(710-784) and even now juni-hitoe is worn on the occasion of weddings of the members of the Imperial Family. Recently, in the wedding in 1993 of the Crown Prince, Princess Masako wore it and the news was broadcast by television throughout the world. It is different from the kimonos worn by ordinary people, usually having brightly-colored kimonos worn on top of each other in twelve-layers over undergarments. The skirt has an extended train that trails behind when walking. In addition, when wearing the juni-hitoe, the hairstyle is gathered at the neck to hang down the back(suberakashi) and a fan made of Japanese cypress is held in the hands.

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