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The is an extremely elegant and highly complex ''kimono'' that was only worn by court-ladies in Japan. Literally translated, it means "twelve-layer robe". The older term, still used by scholars but not widely recognised in mainstream Japan, is . This is in reference to its Chinese coat (Karaginu) and apron-like train (Mo), the defining parts of the costume. The ''jūnihitoe'' started to appear around the 10th century during the Heian Era. The various layers are silk garments. The innermost garment is made of white silk, followed by other layers which have various names, which are finally closed off by a final layer or coat. The total weight could add up to 20 kilograms. The colours and the arrangements of the layers are very important. The colours have poetic names, such as "crimson plum of the spring". The only place where the layers are discernible is around the sleeves and the neck. The arrangements of the layers and their colours were a good indication to any outsider what taste and what rank the lady had. Apart from their robes, Japanese court ladies also wore their hair very long, only cut at the sides of their faces in a layered fashion; the longer hair was sometimes worn tied back. An important accessory was an elaborate fan, which could be tied together by a rope when folded. This was used by the lady not only to cool herself, since it could get very hot, but it was also an important communication device. Since a lady was not allowed to speak face-to-face to a male outsider, she could hold her sleeve up or use her opened fan to shield herself from inquiring looks. Communication to a suitor had to follow with her normally hiding behind the ''sudare'' (screen or blinds) in any case. The suitor could only see the sleeves of her ''jūnihitoe'' that were peeking underneath the blinds. This practice was prominent during the Heian-Era, being frequently and accurately described in the Tale of Genji (jp: ''Genji monogatari''). The movement in such a robe could be difficult due to its weight. Ladies actually slept in their ''jūnihitoe'' sometimes, using it as a form of pajamas. Layers could be shed or kept, depending on the season and the night temperatures. During the Muromachi-Era, however, the dress was sometimes reduced to five robes (known as a "five-layer robe"). == Contemporary use == Today the ''jūnihitoe'' can only be seen in museums, in movies, costume demonstrations, tourist attractions or at certain festivals. These robes are one of the most expensive items of Japanese clothing. Only the Imperial Household still officially uses them at some important functions. Women such as an empress or princess wear a jūnihitoe, while men such as the emperor or prince wear a sokutai. During the wedding of Masako, Crown Princess of Japan to the crown prince, she wore a ''jūnihitoe'' for the official ceremony. The ''jūnihitoe'' was also worn by Empress Michiko during the enthronement ceremony of Emperor Akihito in 1990. Her ladies-in-waiting were all wearing the ''jūnihitoe'', however in modified form from the Edo period, not the Heian style. The Saiō Matsuri ''Saiō Festival'' is held every in Meiwa, Mie and showcases Heian era dresses. They are also featured at the Aoi Matsuri in Kyoto. 抄文引用元・出典: フリー百科事典『 ウィキペディア（Wikipedia）』 ■ウィキペディアで「Jūnihitoe」の詳細全文を読む スポンサード リンク
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