by billhz | Oct 23, 2015 | Samurai and Kimono
Goofy the Samurai Originally, “samurai” (or bushi) meant “those who serve in close attendance to the nobility.” They were the warriors of premodern Japan and eventually became the highest social caste of the Edo Period (1603-1867). They were expected to live according to the ethic code of “BUSHIDO, the way of the warrior” stressing loyalty to one’s master, self discipline and respectful, ethical behavior. Each samurai’s outfit was unique and distinctly his own. The designs and materials changed as methods of warfare evolved, growing from overlapping leather scales into iron plates and chain mail. The helmet or kabuto was an important part of the samurai’s armor with designs ranging from a simple iron dome to fantastic artistic creations. The sword or katana was said to contain the samurai’s soul which made it the most important weapon he carried. The known last use of samurai armor occurred in 1877 when it was determined that the samurai’s protection was no longer...
by billhz | Oct 23, 2015 | Samurai and Kimono
Pug the Samurai Originally, “samurai” (or bushi) meant “those who serve in close attendance to the nobility.” They were the warriors of premodern Japan and eventually became the highest social caste of the Edo Period (1603-1867). They were expected to live according to the ethic code of “BUSHIDO, the way of the warrior” stressing loyalty to one’s master, self discipline and respectful, ethical behavior. Each samurai’s outfit was unique and distinctly his own. The designs and materials changed as methods of warfare evolved, growing from overlapping leather scales into iron plates and chain mail. The helmet or kabuto was an important part of the samurai’s armor with designs ranging from a simple iron dome to fantastic artistic creations. The sword or katana was said to contain the samurai’s soul which made it the most important weapon he carried. The known last use of samurai armor occurred in 1877 when it was determined that the samurai’s protection was no longer...
by billhz | Oct 23, 2015 | Samurai and Kimono
Rosco the Samurai Originally, “samurai” (or bushi) meant “those who serve in close attendance to the nobility.” They were the warriors of premodern Japan and eventually became the highest social caste of the Edo Period (1603-1867). They were expected to live according to the ethic code of “BUSHIDO, the way of the warrior” stressing loyalty to one’s master, self discipline and respectful, ethical behavior. Each samurai’s outfit was unique and distinctly his own. The designs and materials changed as methods of warfare evolved, growing from overlapping leather scales into iron plates and chain mail. The helmet or kabuto was an important part of the samurai’s armor with designs ranging from a simple iron dome to fantastic artistic creations. The sword or katana was said to contain the samurai’s soul which made it the most important weapon he carried. The known last use of samurai armor occurred in 1877 when it was determined that the samurai’s protection was no longer...
by billhz | Oct 23, 2015 | Samurai and Kimono
Winston the Samurai Originally, “samurai” (or bushi) meant “those who serve in close attendance to the nobility.” They were the warriors of premodern Japan and eventually became the highest social caste of the Edo Period (1603-1867). They were expected to live according to the ethic code of “BUSHIDO, the way of the warrior” stressing loyalty to one’s master, self discipline and respectful, ethical behavior. Each samurai’s outfit was unique and distinctly his own. The designs and materials changed as methods of warfare evolved, growing from overlapping leather scales into iron plates and chain mail. The helmet or kabuto was an important part of the samurai’s armor with designs ranging from a simple iron dome to fantastic artistic creations. The sword or katana was said to contain the samurai’s soul which made it the most important weapon he carried. The known last use of samurai armor occurred in 1877 when it was determined that the samurai’s protection was no longer...
by billhz | Sep 26, 2015 | Samurai and Kimono
Kneeling Kimono The patterns and motifs chosen for each Japanese kimono are significant and carefully selected to suit the wearer. The choice of pattern size, color, symbology and even the length of the sleeve will indicate the wearer’s gender, age, status, wealth, and taste. The images may be printed, painted or embroidered into the fabric and often have complex levels of meaning. Many have specific auspicious significance derived from mythology, religion or popular beliefs. The choices might bestow good fortune on the wearer, wrapping them in divine benevolence and protection. Another combination might allude to the virtues or attributes of the wearer (or those they aspire to), reflect particular emotions, or relate to the season or a special occasion. The use of auspicious motifs in the kimono reveals the Japanese belief in the literal, as well as the figurative, power of...
by billhz | Sep 26, 2015 | Samurai and Kimono
Kimono Butterfly The patterns and motifs chosen for each Japanese kimono are significant and carefully selected to suit the wearer. The choice of pattern size, color, symbology and even the length of the sleeve will indicate the wearer’s gender, age, status, wealth, and taste. The images may be printed, painted or embroidered into the fabric and often have complex levels of meaning. Many have specific auspicious significance derived from mythology, religion or popular beliefs. The choices might bestow good fortune on the wearer, wrapping them in divine benevolence and protection. Another combination might allude to the virtues or attributes of the wearer (or those they aspire to), reflect particular emotions, or relate to the season or a special occasion. The use of auspicious motifs in the kimono reveals the Japanese belief in the literal, as well as the figurative, power of...
