MaruWade

Fashion has a powerful way of representing a culture and history. Exploring the history of the kimono offers a glimpse into the history of Japan, AND we look at the history of the death shirt.

The MaruWade is inspired by with beautiful of both garments.

History of the Kimono

Researching how the kimono has been worn over the centuries has given me a fascinating insight into how Japanese society has changed and how traditional clothing has reflected this.

The Victoria and Albert Museum explains how the term “kimono,” meaning “the thing worn,” was first adopted in the mid-19th century, the garment was “the garment” in Japan as early as the 16th century.

Clothing similar in style to the kimono has been worn in Japan since the Heian period (794-1185).

The kimono was traditionally worn by ordinary people or as undergarments of the aristocracy. The kimono is a powerful symbol of Japanese heritage, but in terms of structure it is a simple garment. It is worn wrapped left over right and fastened with a sash called an “obi. Since many activities are performed on the ground, it is important to have enough freedom of movement.

The pattern of the garment is very important. Social status and personal identity is expressed through color and decoration. Kimonos worn by younger women, from wealthy families, are the most richly decorated, and can still be seen in collections of families today. The images on the materials have complex meanings. A popular image is that of a crane, a symbol of long life and happiness. Colors also have metaphorical meanings, and dyes embody the spirit of the plants from which they are extracted. The most popular color is red, which represents youthful glamour and allure.

Today, the older generation still wears the kimono, as do those who work in traditional restaurants. Usually, kimonos are kept for special occasions such as mourning and wedding. This has reinforced the symbolic significance of the kimono.

After World War II, the kimono was less popular as it became intertwined with Japan’s feudal past and became a symbol of women’s oppression, but its popularity has rebounded worldwide over the years and can be seen on the streets.

The history of the death shirt

The linen wardrobe has been a status symbol for centuries. Young women often spent years preparing all their linens. Part of the linen closet is the shroud. Both for the fiancé and her husband-to-be.

Shrouds had a simple design, often a straight long shirt with three-quarter sleeves. Linen was a popular fabric, as the Netherlands was once the world’s largest producer of flax. The shroud had embroidered initials and the wedding year. Once finished, the needle was ritually burned out of superstition.

The shrouds were worn twice: the first time during the wedding night, and then the hopefully love-filled shrouds were placed in the back of the closet, hoping that it was long before the second use: in the coffin.

The tradition lasted a long time, but was lost after World War II. Anything to do with death and destruction was pushed away from everyday life in many ways after those terrible years. So was the memento mori of the shroud of death.

The MaruWade

By understanding the history of the wade and the death shroud, we developed a beautiful new wade as the final garment. A long wrap that covers you from head to toe, beautiful wide straight sleeves and a large hood that covers the face at the last moment and envelops the total body. We have a beautiful collection made of different fabrics, think of the traditional crane print, waffle cotton in beautiful colors, natural linen, firm and tough canvas cotton, soft Egyptian cotton, pure natural flannel and much more.

We also named the wrap Maru for a reason, in Japanese Maru means circle. Life is round. 

Wide choice for anyone who feels drawn to the phenomenon of kimono, please note that the bottom and sleeves of the MaruWade are stitched closed, this makes it very awkward for everyday life!