With the Meiji Restoration (1868), a rush towards Western trends and styles drew forth, especially visible in the Taisho, and Showa periods that followed. Courtesans wearing this style during the Edo period would also shave the hair at their temples and forehead to form a widow’s peak. One of the most elaborate styles – known as hyogo – spreads the hair bun at the back into a butterfly shape. Similar styles can be seen on modern geisha and maiko, though they have an even broader range of designs. These hairstyles were meant to last for several days – even up to a week – and were held in place by wax. Hair accessories and combs would be inserted into the hair, making them very heavy – especially if extra hairpieces to add volume were inserted. Each type of hairstyle was a visible indicator of a woman’s status or role in society – a widow would carry a different coif from a young unwed girl. The shimada was one of the many styles that became popular (of which there are multiple types) but it generally featured wide parts to the sides by the ears and was pulled up into a bun at the top or back. Samurai and their families had status and controlled the government, but were limited financially. This era saw the rise of merchants and merchants’ wives who drove popular fashion, as they had the means and the time to spend on such frivolities. During this time, the vast number of hairstyles recorded through ukiyo-e prints and other materials was unprecedented. Washing the hair was an arduous task, especially since noblewomen could barely move in their 12 layers of kimono – attendants had to do most of the work.Īfter the Heian period, hairstyles slowly became more elaborate – we’ll skip to the Edo period (1603-1868), which was a golden era for nihongami. Women grew out their hair and wore it straight in the style depicted in the famous illustration from The Tale of Genji. Heian aristocrats were notably particular about their fashion, and their beauty standards were exceptionally high. We take a look at how nihongami has evolved and been shaped by cultural changes throughout the history of Japan.Įarly Japan was strongly shaped by Chinese culture, but by the Heian period (794-1185) noble courts rejected these influences. Nihongami literally translates to “Japanese hair” and covers the various hairstyles from the Kofun period (250-538) to the early Showa period (1926-1989).
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
Details
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |