Make your own Uchikake in a fun family-friendly workshop at Japan House London.
Explore the cultures of Japan this May half-term with a series of family-friendly workshops. During each workshop, participants can enjoy learning about Japan and unleashing their creativity while trying an activity using original Japan House London worksheets.
Once worn by high-ranking women, uchikake are a type of richly embroidered outer kimono which are commonly used in Japan on formal occasions, such as weddings.
These highly decorated kimono are worn without an obi sash and are lined in silk with a wadded hem. They feature a wealth of patterns, images and motifs with auspicious meanings: for example, they are frequently decorated with floral imagery associated with longevity, happiness or success. The elaborate array of designs includes flowers and plants associated with particular seasons, like the ‘Seven Flowers of Autumn’ (aki no nanakusa), which can be found on a wide range of decorative textiles or lacquerware.
Explore all workshops in the Japan House London Family Workshops series on the Japan House website.