I got some kitsuke photos done recently. All kurotomesode this time.

First we have Kikkoufu - The Tortoise Shell Lady

In this shot I'm wearing my Taisho era kurotomesode. It's named Kikkoufu for the hexagonal motif that appears on the skirt. That hexagonal pattern (kikkou) is a Japanese abstraction of a tortoise shell. Tortoises are considered a symbol of longevity in Japan. So this kikkou motif is auspicious. This kimono also has prominent crane and pine patterns on it. Pine is a symbol for endurance and the Crane is a celebratory motif.

This kimono, being a kurotomesode, is the most formal kimono worn by a married woman. These days, this type of kimono is usually worn at weddings by the mother of the bride.

You can view more shots of this kimono here:
Kikkoufu I
Kikkoufu II
Kikkoufu III
Kikkoufu IV

Next we have Soudensoukai - The word is a scene of constant changes; as a mulberry field changing into a blue sea

This is my Taisho era geiko hikizuri. It features an elabourate landscape pattern with the sea in the background. The unique thing about this kimono is the hem. It has a second layer (hiyoku), that is completely dyed on both sides.

I believe this kimono to be a geisha's kimono, partly because of the hiyoku. While hiyoku are common on formal kimono, it is rare to have them so fully dyed. In fact, I've never seen another kimono quite like this. Also, it's proporitons are more consistent with a hikizuri as opposed to a regular kurotomesode.

This is likely the most high calibre kimono in my collection.

This kimono is also a kurotomesode. Kurotomesode are typically worn by married women, but they are also worn by fully fledged geisha. Basically, geisha are considered to be women who have reached marrying age, but have refused to marry.

You can see more photos of this ensemble here:
Soudensoukai I
Soudensoukai II
Soudensoukai III

And finally we have Kurokami - Black Hair

There is a traditional Gion Kouta song which I have titled this kimono after:

It is the pillow
We shared that night,
When I let down
My jet-black hair.
That is the cause of my lament
When I sleep alone
With my single robe
To cover me.
'You are mine,' he said,
Not knowing the heart
Of a simple girl.
The voice of a temple bell,
Sounds into the quiet night.
Awakening from an empty dream
In the morning,
How lovely, sweet,
And helpless is my longing.
Before I know it The silver snow has piled up.

Kurokami is a dance/song traditionally performed by geisha. This kimono was made as a hikizuri so it could be worn for a geisha cosplay and it's deep black colour reminded me of that song. So that's where the name comes from.

You can view more photos of this ensemble here:
Kurokami I
Kurokami II
Kurokami III
Kurokami IV
Kurokami V
Kurokami VI