kabukimono

KABUKIMONO

“A disruption of societal norms”

The MYRKA exclusive silk kimonos “KABUKIMONO” are inspired by the Japanese theatrical form, Kabuki, that is often said to have its origins among the kabukimono gangs. They were groups of flamboyant rogues and flaneurs prominent during the late Sengoku period and early Edo period. (1600)

The term translates roughly to "eccentric," as the characters that comprise it mean, essentially, one who leans away from normal, or away from the social norm and is unusual.

The shrine maiden Izumo no Okuni, who is usually credited with originating the Kabuki theatrical form, is often described as one. In particular, just as many kabukimono men wore women's clothing, It was a custom to send priests and young women, such as Buddhist nuns, among others to solicit contributions. Izumo was sent to Kyoto to perform sacred dances and songs. She was beautiful and talented. She was innovative as well. Soon her performances received a lot of attention and drew large crowds. Ignoring the summons to return to the Shrine, she set up her own theatre on the banks of the Shijo River in Kyoto. This was a long-known gathering place for the kabukimono, young people and those not so young, who felt alienated and displaced, the homeless, and those who might qualify as the "hippies" of the day.

The word Kabuki is the nominal form of the verb kabuku, "to incline in a certain direction" and mono is a certain slang term for people, usually young, who dared to defy the mores of the day.

The shogunate explicitly banned a number of behaviors and modes of dress in 1615, in an effort to crack down on the kabukimono, who were perceived as disruptive. In addition to the disruption they presented through their loud activities on the streets, the kabukimono represented a disruption of societal norms in that they often demonstrated stronger loyalty to one another than to their actual samurai masters or families.

These exclusive kimonos are manufactured in a very small quantity, only 20 robes in each print and they come in unique gift boxes. The lid on each box has been hand painted and signed by the designer and can be cut out and framed.