Kamishimo Samurai Clothing, Silk, Mon, Edo Period, Japan, 19th Century, Traditional

Authentic silk kamishimo set from the Edo period (1600 - 1868).## Etymology. From the Japanese 侍, samurai "samurai", literally "one who serves" (his lord) It constitutes the traditional and formal attire of the samurai class, similar to a uniform in modern terms.# Each Kamishimo is accompanied by the mon, crest of the Samurai clan or family. The mon (紋), or kamon (家紋), is a heraldic insignia initially used by samurai clans to more easily recognize each other on the battlefield. They are usually in the form of stylized designs inside a geometric shape. It seems that the mon of this Kamishimo is from the Mizuno clan (see photo). The ensemble includes a kataginu, a distinctive vest with broad shoulders, exaggerated in dimensions, combined with traditional hakama pants. Originating in the Muromachi period and the Edo era, the kamishimo was established as casual wear or formal wear for samurai. It was also adopted by the farmers and townspeople on ceremonial occasions, and it continues today sometimes to be used in traditional performances and festivals. During the Edo period, it was even worn daily by court nobles. This particular set shows signs of wear consistent with its age, including wrinkles, small stains, a few small holes. The condition is as shown in the photos. Finding an antique set in very good condition is almost impossible. Our garment dates from the 19th century.# Note the pleating of the fabric and the intricate knot on the back. This kamishimo offers a rare glimpse into the martial elegance and dress customs of samurai culture, a beautiful artifact, a distinctive and historic addition to any collection of Japanese antiques.## The last photo shows a complete set with the addition of the kimono. The measurements of this set are:Dimensions："Kataginu 肩衣" vest: (top) 68 cm width shoulder × 60 cm length "Hakama 袴" pants: length 85 × 64 cm hem width ## The Edo period (江戸時代, Edo jidai) or Tokugawa period (徳川時代, Tokugawa jidai) is the traditional subdivision of Japanese history that begins around 1600, with the seizure of power by Tokugawa Ieyasu at the Battle of Sekigahara, and ends around 1868 with the Meiji Restoration. FREE SHIPPING FOR FRANCE! FRANCE 0€ / EUROPE 25€ / WORLD 50€ For all requests for information, do not hesitate to contact me at 06 13 36 09 30 or at winsteinprovence@gmail.com www.winsteinprovence.com Attention (texts, photo credits, Winstein, all rights reserved )## Coats of arms are thought to have appeared in Japan during the middle of the Heian period, around 900-1000. Family crests were painted on the vehicles of aristocrats to indicate the social status of their owner, and chariots of lower-ranking families had to yield to those of higher rank. Family crests spread throughout Japan to court nobles and samurai from the Kamakura period (1185-1333), also appearing on costumes. They were adopted by merchants in the Muromachi period (1336-1573) who put them on their signs, and later by kabuki actors. In the Edo period (1603-1868), commoners were allowed to choose and display their own family crests, excluding the chrysanthemum motif (reserved for the imperial family) and the hollyhock motif (reserved for the Tokugawa shoguns). And by the Genroku era (1688-1704), family crests were definitively established among the population. In contemporary Japan, they can be seen engraved on tombstones, or dyed on kimonos worn at wedding ceremonies or funerals. Thank you for your attention.