When looking for unusual gifts you cannot wrong with Japanese art. Japanese art comes in many different forms and some of the most popular are the kokeshi dolls.
Dolls
Kokeshi dolls come in a wide range of styles and personalities. They are often used in the house as good luck and to ward off evil spirits. These wooden Japanese dolls have a one hundred and fifty year tradition and are enjoyed and collected by many. The only trait shared by these adorable little dolls is that they have no arms or legs, but that hardly stops them from being the belle of any ball.
Business
Perhaps you wish good fortune on a business acquaintance, then for unusual gifts you may consider manekineko or happy cat. It is believed that the happy cats raised paws are lucky for business. A happy cat with a raised right paw is said to bring money and a raised left paws is beckoning to customers.
Consider the shichi- fukujin or seven gods of good fortune as unusual gifts. These little Gods bring long life and good fortune.
Home
The shodo, or Japanese calligraphy, also makes wonderful unusual gifts. The simplicity and beauty of the style stands out and makes an elegant edition to any home. Hung on a wall in a frame even your name takes on a new meaning.
The oshi are an art form made with pieces of kimono material and chiyogami or Japanese colored paper. These three dimensional pictures are definitely a work of art.
The sensu, or folding fan, are also highly collected unusual gifts. Made from many different materials including silk these delicate items are also practical on a hot day.
Children
Chitimen are a type of small purse or bag made from kimono material. These colorful items are often given to children who delight in them. For a boy perhaps a shogi or Japanese chess set with hand carved pieces.
Japanese art makes for some of the most beautiful unusual gifts and is often greeted with delight by the recipient.
The kimono is a type of traditional Japanese clothing. The word kimono literally even means thing to wear. Today these beautiful garments are usually worn only on special occasions. The kimono is made from very elaborately adorned silk and can cost upwards of ten thousand dollars USD for a full outfit. Kimono for both men and women are fashioned from a single piece of cloth, called a tan, and come in one size for all. Shaped like a “T,” these garments are fitted by folding them in a certain way.
History
The kimono was first seen in Japan in the 8th century A.D sometime between the Hein period and the Edo period. They were fashioned after the Chinese clothing of the time. The kimono went through many changes over its long life from the use of a kind of half apron to an obi. Trousers were added to it and the sleeves grew in length.
Types
Both men and women wear a kimono though the men’s kimono is traditionally made from dark and somber colors and has much shorter sleeves. However, for both men and women, there are many different styles for various occasions. Unmarried women wear a furisode on formal occasions. The furisode has floor length sleeves, while Geisha generally wear a susohiki.
Wear
To dress in a kimono is an art in itself. Mothers traditionally taught their daughters how to dress in one, though today most hire a kimono dresser for special occasions. For those who wish to learn this unique art, there are schools that teach it. Each layer of a kimono must be put on in a strict order and, when the accessories are included, this process can take hours to complete. The kimono itself for instance is always put on with the right side over the left as the other way of left to right is reserved for the dead. The hair adornments and obi are always last and the socks first as bending in a kimono is not easy or recommended.
To wear a kimono today is a rare art. There are still special occasions where one is required though most Japanese wear Western-style clothing. Sumo wrestlers are required to wear traditional dress at all times and Geisha and other traditional dancers also tend to wear them daily. However at most formal tea parties, weddings and a young girl’s coming of age ceremony are the only times they are seen.
Looking for valentine gifts- its again that time of the year to show some love to loved ones. With a huge selection of Momiji dolls you are bound to find something that matches the personality of your ones we love. Momiji dolls are a perfect valentine gift .
In 2009 a limited edition of the set of 3 love dolls were produced. The 2009 King Soo Love dolls were designed by Malaysian artist Kong Soo. Momiji are message dolls. Inside each doll there’s a tiny folded card for your own secret message.
Every Season there is at least one trend that all us fall in love with. Last season, there were exclamations about utilitarian jackets worn over floral dresses at Louis Vuitton, and the seemingly unfinished and shorn masterpieces from Prada and Jil Sander. I was so impressed by these designers’ creativity, I couldn’t decide on just one trend to highlight. So, over the next couple of days, I’m going to break down the a few of the best velvet that I have discovered in the fall of 2010 here.
Altuzarra. Photo : WWD
My personal favorite is velvet, which seems to have replaced leather as the new cashmere!
From the fearless use of the material in Joseph Altuzarra’s collection of impeccably tailored crushed velvet skirt suits, echoing the days of Tom Ford at Gucci, to Anna Sui’s tactile, rich take on a flapper, I was completely wowed. Below are a a few standout looks of the 2010 Velvet
Giorgio Armani. Photo : Style.com
Anna Sui. Photo: WWD
Momiji Velvet Flock it dolls
We are all for traditional collectibles but there is now these modern collectible very pretty dolls which are Japanese inspired and designed by Joana Zhou. These dolls are girlish and make cool collectables. It can be that you are feeling like dancing or just happy, thinking of that little sister. You need to take some time and say hello to the world of Momiji Dolls.
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