Spotlight: Daimonji’s Sakkō Outfit With the excitement of Katsuna’s erikae comes a look at the outfit that Daimonji has been using for its girls for well over a decade. From top to bottom we have: Silver and Gold Pine Daikin/Daikan Kanzashi Worn by Katsune and Katsuna in the series of images as Katsuru was photographed during The Kitano Odori and Katsuya wore the outfit for the Kitano Odori as well. Pine is a symbol of endurance and strength and shows a commitment to the life of a geiko. Gold Karabana Darari Obi Daimonji’s most formal obi, it features karabana (imaginary/fantasy flowers) in both rounds and diamonds. It’s very chic with an arabesque look to it that’s accented by real silver and gold threads in the obi. Dusty Pink Iromontsuki Hikizuri It’s a bit hard to see in some of the images, but this kimono is an iromontsuki; that is, a formal colored kimono bearing the kamon of the okiya. Its motifs are a very unique spring orchid with bamboo, lattice, and clouds. Breaking down the motifs further: Spring Orchids - Shunran (春蘭) Among the first flowers to bloom in the spring, they often accompany peonies and are usually accents to a kimono instead of the main motif. While the other motifs are impressive, it is plain to see that the orchids are what make this piece unique as they’re in the spotlight and not the background. They represent femininity and elegance, hence why they’re often paired with the masculine peony. Bamboo Leaves - Sasa (笹) As talked about before in the “What’s In a Motif?” series, bamboo represents fresh growth and it flows both from the ground with the orchids and up the lattice. It’s interesting to note that only the bamboo leaves are present and not the stalks too - this serves to both keep the focus on the orchids and provide a way for the viewer’s eyes to travel upward. Lattice - Kōshi (格子) This one is a bit more self explanatory as the lattice serves as a guide with which plants will grow. Its main purpose is to provide support for the future, both literally and metaphorically for the maiko wearing this piece. Clouds - Kumo (雲) You may look at this piece and wonder where the clouds are, but it turns out that they’re the entire bottom hem of the hikizuri! The clouds give the piece a dream like quality and provide a lovely maroon contrast to the hikizuri’s dusty pink. Images are courtesy of Caitlin Downey (Katsuya), Onihide (Katsuru), KWC Photo (Katsune), and Fragrantolive11 (Katsuna).
