A traditional wedding kimono

The kimono (着物, kimono^?)^[1] is the national costume of Japan. National costume, also known as national dress, regional costume or folk dress, expresses an identity through Costume which usually For a topic outline on this subject see List of basic Japan topics. Originally the word "kimono" literally meant thing to wear (ki wearing and mono thing)^[2] but now has come to denote a particular type of traditional full-length garment.

Kimono are T-shaped, straight-lined robes that fall to the ankle, with collars and wide, full-length sleeves. Kimono are wrapped around the body, always with the left side over the right (except when dressing the dead for burial)^[3] and secured by a wide belt called an obi, which is usually tied at the back. A belt is a flexible band typically made of Leather or heavy Cloth, and worn around the Waist. Obi (帯 おび is a Japanese word referring to several different types of Sashes worn with Kimono and Keikogi by both men and women Kimono are generally worn with traditional footwear (especially zōri or geta) and split-toe socks (tabi). are flat and thonged Japanese sandals made of rice straw or other plant fibers cloth lacquered wood leather rubber or—increasingly—synthetic materials Geta (下駄 are a form of traditional Japanese footwear that resembles both Clogs and Flip-flops. are traditional Japanese Socks Ankle high and with a separation between the big toe and other toes they are worn by both men and women with Zori, geta ^[4]

Today, kimono are most often worn by women, and on special occasions. Traditionally, unmarried women wore a style of kimono called furisode,^[4] which have floor-length sleeves, on special occasions. A furisode ( Japanese: 振袖 furisode) is a style of Kimono. A few older women and even fewer men still wear kimono on a daily basis. Men wear kimono most often at weddings, tea ceremonies, and other very special or very formal occasions. A wedding is the Ceremony in which two people are united in Marriage. The Japanese tea ceremony is called chanoyu (茶の湯 lit "tea hot-water" or also chadō or sadō (ja Professional sumo wrestlers are often seen in kimono because they are required to wear traditional Japanese dress whenever appearing in public. is a competitive Contact sport where two Wrestlers ( rikishi) attempt to force one another out of a circular ring ( Dohyo) or to touch the ground ^[5] They commonly wear the kind of casual Japanese attire that is referred to as yukata, which is of plain unlined cotton. is a Japanese summer Garment. People wearing yukata are a common sight at Fireworks displays Bon-odori festivals and other summer events

Kimono hobbyists in Japan can take courses on how to put on and wear kimono. Classes cover selecting seasonally and event-appropriate patterns and fabrics, matching the kimono undergarments and accessories to the kimono, layering the undergarments according to subtle meanings, selecting and tying obi, and other topics. There are also clubs devoted to kimono culture, such as Kimono de Ginza. Kimono de Ginza ( きものｄｅ銀座) is a group of Kimono and Japanese clothing enthusiasts that meets in Ginza, Tokyo on the second

History

As kimono has another name gofuku (呉服, gofuku^? literally "clothes of Wu(呉)"), the earliest kimono were heavily influenced by traditional Chinese clothing, which is known as Hanfu today, through extensive Chinese culture adoptions by Japan, as early as the fifth century ce^[4]. Eastern Wu ( Chinese: 東吳 Pinyin: Dōng Wú also known as Sun Wu ( Traditional Chinese: 孫吳 pinyin Sūn Wú refers to a China ( Wade-Giles ( Mandarin) Chung¹kuo² is a cultural region, an ancient Civilization, and depending on perspective a National Clothing (also called clothes, accoutrements, accouterments, or habiliments) protects the Human body from extreme Weather Han Chinese clothing or Hanfu ( also known as Hanzhuang ( 漢裝) Huafu ( 華服) or guzhuang ( 古裝, meaning For a topic outline on this subject see List of basic Japan topics. It was during the 8th century, however, when Chinese fashions came into style among the Japanese, and the overlapping collar became particularly a women's fashion^[4]. During Japan's Heian period (794–1192 ce), the kimono became increaslingly stylized, though one still wore a half-apron, called a mo, over it ^[4]. The is the last division of classical Japanese history, running from 794 to 1185. Events By Place Asia Kyoto becomes the Japanese capital ending the Nara period, and beginning the Heian period. During the Muromachi age (1392-1573), the Kosode, a single kimono formerly considered underwear, began to be worn without the hakama pants over it, and thus began to be held closed by an obi "belt" ^[4]. The Muromachi period ( Japanese: 室町時代 Muromachi-jidai, also known as the Muromachi era, the Muromachi bakufu, the Ashikaga era Hakama (袴 are a type of traditional Japanese clothing. They were originally worn only by men but today they are worn by both men and women During the Edo period (1603-1867), the sleeves began to grow in length, especially among unmarried women, and the Obi became wider, with various styles of tying coming into fashion ^[4]. Since then, the basic shape of both men’s and women’s kimono has remained essentially unchanged ^[4].

Textiles

Japanese woman in a kimono, circa 1870

Kimono for men are available in various sizes, but kimono for women are typically of similar size and/or are adjusted for various body sizes by tucking and folding. An ideally tailored kimono has sleeves that end at the wrist when the arms are lowered. A man's kimono should fall approximately to the ankle without tucking. A woman's kimono is longer to allow for the ohashori, the tuck that can be seen under the obi.

Kimono are made from a single bolt of fabric called a tan. Bolts come in standard dimensions of about 14 inches' width and 12½ yards' length (enough for one adult kimono)^[4], and the entire fabric is used to make the kimono. The finished kimono consists of four main strips of fabric—two panels covering the body and two panels forming the sleeves—with additional smaller strips forming the narrow front panel and collar^[4]. In the past, the kimono was often taken apart for washing as separate panels, and re-sewn by hand. Because the entire bolt remains in the finished garment without cutting, the kimono can be retailored easily to fit a different person. ^[4]

The maximum length of the sleeve is dictated by the width of the fabric. The distance from the center of the spine to the end of the sleeve could not exceed twice the width of the fabric. Traditional kimono fabric was typically no more than 36 centimeters (14 inches) wide. Thus the distance from spine to wrist could not exceed a maximum of roughly 68 centimeters (27 inches). Modern kimono fabric is woven as wide as 42 centimeters (17 inches) to accommodate modern Japanese body sizes. Very tall or heavy people, such as sumo wrestlers, must have kimono custom-made by joining multiple bolts of fabric together or custom-woven. is a competitive Contact sport where two Wrestlers ( rikishi) attempt to force one another out of a circular ring ( Dohyo) or to touch the ground source

Traditional kimono are sewn by hand, and their fabrics are also frequently hand made and hand decorated. Various techniques such as yūzen dye resist are used for applying decoration and patterns to the base cloth. Repeating patterns that cover a large area of a kimono are traditionally done with the yūzen resist technique and a stencil. Over time there have been many variations in color, fabric and style, as well as accessories such as the obi.

Kimono and obi are traditionally made of silk, silk brocade, silk crepes (such as chirimen) and satin weaves (such as rinzu). Modern kimono are also widely available in less-expensive easy-care fabrics such as rayon, cotton sateen, cotton, polyester and other synthetic fibers. Silk is still considered the ideal fabric, however, and is a must for formal occasions.

Modern styles of Kimono

A young girl wearing a kimono.

Customarily, woven patterns and dyed repeat patterns are considered informal; Formal kimono have free-style designs dyed over the whole surface or along the hem^[4]. During the Heian period, kimono were worn with up to a dozen or more colorful contrasting layers, with each combination of colors being a named pattern^[4]. Today, the kimono is normally worn with a single layer on top of a slip style undergarment. The pattern of the kimono can also determine in what season it should be worn. For example, a pattern with butterflies or cherry blossoms would be worn in spring. A butterfly is an Insect of the order Lepidoptera. Like all Lepidoptera butterflies are notable for their unusual life cycle with a Watery designs are common during the summer. A popular autumn motif is the russet leaf of the Japanese maple; for winter, designs may include bamboo, pine trees and plum blossoms. Bamboo is a group of Woody perennial Evergreen Plants in the True grass family Poaceae, subfamily This article is about the tree For other uses of the term "pine" see Pine (disambiguation. A plum or gage is a stone fruit Tree in the genus Prunus, subgenus Prunus.

Old kimono are often recycled in various ways: altered to make haori, hiyoku, or kimono for children, used to patch similar kimono, used for making handbags and similar kimono accessories, and used to make covers, bags or cases for various implements, especially for sweet-picks used in tea ceremonies. The Japanese tea ceremony is called chanoyu (茶の湯 lit "tea hot-water" or also chadō or sadō (ja Kimono with damage below the waistline can also be worn under hakama to hide the damage. Hakama (袴 are a type of traditional Japanese clothing. They were originally worn only by men but today they are worn by both men and women Historically, skilled craftsmen laboriously picked the silk thread from old kimono and rewove it into a new textile in the width of a heko obi for men's kimono, using a recycling weaving method called saki-ori.

Parts of a woman's kimono

Diagrams of the kimono parts.

Doura

upper lining

Eri

collar

Fuki

hem guard

Furi

sleeve below the armhole

Maemigoro

front main panel

Miyatsukuchi

opening under the sleeve

Okumi

front inside panel

Sode^[4]

sleeve

Sodeguchi

sleeve opening

Sodetsuke

kimono armhole

Susomawashi

lower lining

Tamoto

sleeve pouch

Tomoeri

over collar

Uraeri

inner collar

Ushiromigoro

back main section

Cost

Women in furisode kimono dressed as maiko (apprentice geisha)

Kimono can be expensive. or are traditional female Japanese Entertainers whose skills include performing various Japanese arts such as classical music and dance or are traditional female Japanese Entertainers whose skills include performing various Japanese arts such as classical music and dance A woman's kimono may easily exceed US$10,000;^[6] a complete kimono outfit, with kimono, undergarments, obi, ties, socks, sandals and accessories, can exceed US$20,000. A single obi may cost several thousand dollars. However, most kimono owned by kimono hobbyists or by practitioners of traditional arts are far less expensive. Enterprising people make their own kimono and undergarments by following a standard pattern, or by recycling older kimono. Cheaper and machine-made fabrics can substitute for the traditional hand-dyed silk. There is also a thriving business in Japan for second-hand kimono, which can cost as little as ¥500. Women's obi, however, mostly remain an expensive item. Although simple patterned or plain colored ones can cost as low as ¥1,500, even a used obi can cost hundreds of dollars, and experienced craftsmanship is required to make them. Men's obi, even those made from silk, tend to be much less expensive, because they are narrower, shorter and less decorative than those worn by women.

Styles

Kimono range from extremely formal to casual. The level of formality of women's kimono is determined mostly by the pattern fabric, and color. Young women's kimono have longer sleeves,signifying their unmarried status, and tend to be more elaborate than similarly formal older women's kimono^[4]. Men's kimono are usually one basic shape and are mainly worn in subdued colors. Formality is also determined by the type and color of accessories, the fabric, and the number or absence of kamon (family crests), with five crests signifying extreme formality^[4]. ( plural mon) also,, and, are Japanese heraldic symbols Mon may refer to any symbol while Silk is the most desirable, and most formal, fabric. Kimono made of fabrics such as cotton and polyester generally reflect a more casual style.

Women's Kimono

Many modern Japanese women lack the skill to put on a kimono unaided: the typical woman's kimono consists of twelve or more separate pieces that are worn, matched and secured in prescribed ways, and the assistance of licensed professional kimono dressers may be required. Called upon mostly for special occasions, kimono dressers both work out of hair salons and make house calls.

Choosing an appropriate type of kimono requires knowledge of the garment's symbolism and subtle social messages, reflecting the woman's age, marital status, and the level of formality of the occasion.

A mother in a typical kurotomesode at her daughter's wedding

Kurotomesode

(黒留袖): a black kimono patterned only below the waistline, kurotomesode are the most formal kimono for married women. They are often worn by the mothers of the bride and groom at weddings. Kurotomesode usually have five kamon printed on the sleeves, chest and back of the kimono.

Furisode

(振袖): furisode literally translates as swinging sleeves—the sleeves of furisode average between 39 and 42 inches in length. A furisode ( Japanese: 振袖 furisode) is a style of Kimono. Furisode are the most formal kimono for unmarried women, with colorful patterns that cover the entire garment. They are usually worn at coming-of-age ceremonies (seijin shiki) and by unmarried female relatives of the bride at weddings and wedding receptions. Seijin shiki (ja 成人式 is the Japanese coming-of-age ceremony

Irotomesode

(色留袖): single-color kimono, patterned only below the waistline. Irotomesode are slightly less formal than kurotomesode, and are worn by married women, usually close relatives of the bride and groom at weddings. An irotomesode may have three or five kamon.

Homongi

(訪問着): literally translates as visiting wear. The Hōmongi (訪問着 kimono replaces the role of the Furisode when a woman marries Characterized by patterns that flow over the shoulders, seams and sleeves, hōmongi rank slightly higher than their close relative, the tsukesage. Hōmongi may be worn by both married and unmarried women; often friends of the bride will wear hōmongi at weddings and receptions. They may also be worn to formal parties.

Tsukesage

(付け下げ): has more modest patterns that cover a smaller area—-mainly below the waist-—than the more formal hōmongi. They may also be worn by married women.

Iromuji

(色無地): single-colored kimono that may be worn by married and unmarried women. They are mainly worn to tea ceremonies. The dyed silk may be figured (rinzu, similar to jacquard), but has no differently colored patterns.

Komon

(小紋): "fine pattern". Kimono with a small, repeated pattern throughout the garment. This style is more casual and may be worn around town, or dressed up with a formal obi for a restaurant. Both married and unmarried women may wear komon.

A long blue susohiki, usually worn by geisha or at stage performances

Edo Komon

(江戸小紋): is a type of komon characterized by tiny dots arranged in dense patterns that form larger designs. or are traditional female Japanese Entertainers whose skills include performing various Japanese arts such as classical music and dance The Edo komon dyeing technique originated with the samurai class during the Edo period. is the term for the military nobility of Pre-industrial Japan. The, also referred to as the Tokugawa period (徳川時代 Tokugawa-jidai) is a division of Japanese history running from 1603 to 1868 A kimono with this type of pattern is of the same formality as an iromuji, and when decorated with kamon, may be worn as visiting wear (equivalent to a tsukesage or hōmongi). ( plural mon) also,, and, are Japanese heraldic symbols Mon may refer to any symbol while

Uchikake

Uchikake is a highly formal kimono worn only by a bride or at a stage performance. The Uchikake is often heavily brocaded and is supposed to be worn outside the actual kimono and obi, as a sort of coat. One therefore never ties the obi around the uchikake. It is supposed to trail along the floor, this is also why it is heavily padded along the hem. The uchikake of the bridal costume is either white or very colorful often with red as the base color.

Susohiki / Hikizuri

The susohiki is mostly worn by geisha or by stage performers of the traditional Japanese dance. It is quite long, compared to regular kimono, because the skirt is supposed to trail along the floor. Susohiki literally means "trail the skirt". Where a normal kimono for women is normally 1,5-1,6 m or 4,7-5,2 ft long, a susohiki can be up to 2 m or 6,3 ft long. This is also why geisha and maiko lift their kimono skirt when walking outside, also to show their beautiful underkimono or "nagajuban" (see below). or are traditional female Japanese Entertainers whose skills include performing various Japanese arts such as classical music and dance or are traditional female Japanese Entertainers whose skills include performing various Japanese arts such as classical music and dance ^[7]

Men's Kimono

Couple being married in traditional dress.

In contrast to women's kimono, men's kimono outfits are far simpler, typically consisting of a maximum of five pieces, not including footwear.

Men's kimono have long sleeves which are attached to the body of the kimono with no more than a few inches unattached at the bottom, unlike the women's style of very deep sleeves mostly unattached from the body of the kimono. Men's sleeves are less deep than women's kimono sleeves to accommodate the obi around the waist beneath them, where as on a woman's kimono, the long, unattached bottom of the sleeve can hang over the obi without getting in the way.

In the modern era, the principal distinctions between men's kimono are in the fabric. The typical kimono has a subdued, dark color; black, dark blues, greens, and browns are common. Fabrics are usually matte. Some have a subtle pattern, and textured fabrics are common in more casual kimono. More casual kimono may be made in slightly brighter colors, such as lighter purples, greens and blues. Sumo wrestlers have occasionally been known to wear quite bright colors such as fuchsia.

The most formal style of kimono is plain black with five kamon on the chest, shoulders and back. Slightly less formal is the three-kamon kimono. These are usually paired with white undergarments and accessories.

Kimono accessories and related garments

Nagajuban

(長襦袢, or simply juban) are kimono-shaped robes worn by both men and women beneath the main outer garment. Since silk kimono are delicate and difficult to clean, the nagajuban helps to keep the outer kimono clean by preventing contact with the wearer's skin. Only the collar edge of the nagajuban shows from beneath the outer kimono. Many nagajuban have removable collars, to allow them to be changed to match the outer garment, and to be easily washed without washing the entire garment. While the most formal type of nagajuban are white, they are often as beautifully ornate and patterned as the outer kimono. Since men's kimono are usually fairly subdued in pattern and color, and the nagajuban allows for discreetly wearing very striking designs and colors.

Hadajuban

(肌襦袢) are thin garments similar to undershirts. They are worn by women under the nagajuban.

Susoyoke

(裾除け) is a thin petticoat-like garment worn by women under the nagajuban. Sometimes the susoyoke and hadajuban are combined into a one-piece garment.

Eri Sugata

is a special collar made for kimonos. Traditionally, an undergarment is worn under the kimono. Just the collar of the undergarment shows. This undergarment (the juban) can be very hot during summer weather so the eri sugata was created. The eri sugata is just the collar of the undergarment. It is used to make the kimono more formal without the wearer having to worry too much about having too many layers on or not on.

Geta

(下駄) are wooden sandals worn by men and women with yukata. Geta (下駄 are a form of traditional Japanese footwear that resembles both Clogs and Flip-flops. is a Japanese summer Garment. People wearing yukata are a common sight at Fireworks displays Bon-odori festivals and other summer events One unique style is worn solely by geisha. or are traditional female Japanese Entertainers whose skills include performing various Japanese arts such as classical music and dance

Hakama

(袴) is a divided (Umanori) or undivided skirt (Andon) which resembles a wide pair of pants, traditionally worn by men but now also by women in less formal outfits, and is also worn in certain martial arts such as aikido. Hakama (袴 are a type of traditional Japanese clothing. They were originally worn only by men but today they are worn by both men and women A hakama typically has pleats, a koshiita (a stiff or padded part in the lower back of the wearer), and himo (long lengths of fabric tied around the waist over the obi, described below). Hakama are worn in several budo arts such as aikido, kendo, iaidō and naginata. is a Japanese term describing Martial arts. In English it is used almost exclusively in reference to Japanese martial arts. is a Japanese martial art developed by Morihei Ueshiba as a synthesis of his martial studies philosophy and religious beliefs or " way of the sword " is the Japanese and South Korean martial art of sword-fighting is a Japanese martial art associated with the smooth controlled movements of drawing the Sword from its Scabbard, striking or cutting an opponent removing blood Naginata (なぎなた 薙刀 is a Pole weapon that was traditionally used in Japan by members of the Samurai class Hakama are also worn by women at college graduation ceremonies, and by Miko on shinto shrines. is a Japanese term that anciently meant "female shaman shamaness medium prophet priestess" who conveyed divine oracles and currently means "shrine maiden virgin consecrated They can range from very formal to visiting wear, depending on the pattern.

Haori

(羽織) is a hip- or thigh-length kimono jacket which adds formality. Haori were originally reserved for men, until fashions changed at the end of the Meiji period. The, or Meiji era, denotes the 45-year reign of the Meiji Emperor, running in the Gregorian calendar, from 23 October 1868 to 30 July They are now worn by both men and women, though women's kimono jackets tend to be longer.

Haori-himo

(羽織紐) is a tasseled, woven string fastener for the haori. The most formal color is white.

Happi

(法被) is a type of Haori traditionally worn by shop keepers and is now associated mostly with festivals. Happi (法被 半被 is a traditional Japanese straight-sleeved Coat usually made of Indigo or brown Cotton and imprinted with a distinctive

Hanten

(袢纏) is the workman's version of gentleman's Haori. Often padded for warmth, as opposed to the somewhat lighter Happi.

Hiyoku

(ひよく) is a type of under-kimono, historically worn by women beneath the kimono. Today they are only worn on formal occasions such as weddings and other important social events.

Kanzashi

(簪) are hair ornaments worn by women in the coiffured hair style that often accompanies kimono. Kanzashi (簪 are hair ornaments used in traditional Chinese and Japanese Hairstyles Kanzashi first appeared These may take the form of silk flowers, wooden combs, and jade hairpins. Jade is an Ornamental stone. The term jade is applied to two different rocks that are made up of different Silicate minerals.

Obi

(帯) An obi is a sash worn with kimono by both men and women. Obi (帯 おび is a Japanese word referring to several different types of Sashes worn with Kimono and Keikogi by both men and women

Obi-ita

(帯板) is a thin, fabric-covered board placed under the obi by women to keep its shape. An obi-ita (帯板 is a thin stiff board that helps keep an Obi in place and prevent it from getting wrinkled It is also called mae-ita.

Datejime

(伊達締め) is a thin, sash worn around the obi. This is usually now only used in more formal situations. This is also called a Datemaki.

Koshi himo

(腰紐) are thin sashes tied to keep the kimono in place while getting dressed, and keep it from moving during wear.

Tabi

(足袋) are ankle-high, divided-toe socks usually worn with zōri or geta. are traditional Japanese Socks Ankle high and with a separation between the big toe and other toes they are worn by both men and women with Zori, geta A sock is a knitted or Woven type of Hosiery garment for enclosing the human foot are flat and thonged Japanese sandals made of rice straw or other plant fibers cloth lacquered wood leather rubber or—increasingly—synthetic materials Geta (下駄 are a form of traditional Japanese footwear that resembles both Clogs and Flip-flops. They also come in a boot form. A boot is a type of Shoe that covers at least the Foot and the Ankle and sometimes extends up to the Knee or even the Hip.

Waraji

(草鞋) are straw rope sandals which are mostly worn by monks. Waraji (草鞋 are sandals made from Straw Rope that in the past were the standard footwear of the common people in Japan. MONK is a Monte Carlo software package for simulating nuclear processes particularly for the purpose of determining the neutron multiplication factor or k-effective

Yukata

(浴衣) is an informal unlined summer kimono usually made of cotton, linen, or hemp. is a Japanese summer Garment. People wearing yukata are a common sight at Fireworks displays Bon-odori festivals and other summer events Yukata are most often worn to outdoor festivals, by men and women of all ages. They are also worn at onsen (hot spring) resorts, where they are often provided for the guests in the resort's own pattern. An is a term for Hot springs ' in the Japanese language, though the term is often used describe the bathing facilities and inns around the hot springs

Zōri

(草履) are cloth, leather or grass-woven sandals. are flat and thonged Japanese sandals made of rice straw or other plant fibers cloth lacquered wood leather rubber or—increasingly—synthetic materials Zōri may be highly decorated with intricate stitching or with no decoration. They are worn by both men and women. Grass woven zōri with white straps, called hanao, are the most formal for men. They are similar in design to flip-flops. In Footwear and Fashion, flip-flops (also known as thongs, jandals, slippers, or pluggers) are a flat backless usually

Care of Kimono

In the past, a kimono would often be entirely taken apart for washing, and then re-sewn for wearing^[4]. This traditional washing method is called arai hari. Because stitches must be taken out for washing, traditional kimono need to be hand sewn. Arai hari is very expensive and difficult and is one of the causes of the declining popularity of kimono. Modern fabrics and cleaning methods have been developed that eliminate this need, although the traditional washing of kimono is still practiced, especially for high-end garments.

A new custom-made kimono will be delivered to the customer with long, loose basting stitches placed around the outside edges. In Sewing, to tack or baste is to make quick temporary Stitching intended to be removed These stitches are called shituke ito. They are sometimes replaced for storage. They help to prevent bunching, folding and wrinkling, and keep the kimono's layers in alignment.

Like many other traditional Japanese garments, there are specific ways to fold kimono. These methods help to preserve the garment and to keep it from creasing when stored. Kimono are often stored wrapped in paper.

Kimono need to be aired out at least seasonally and before and after each time they are worn. Many people prefer to have their kimono dry cleaned, although this can be extremely expensive, it is generally less expensive than arai hari and may be impossible for certain fabrics or dyes.

References

External links

• The Canadian Museum of Civilization - Landscape Kimonos of Itchiku Kubota
• Tokyo National Museum Look for "textiles" under "decorative arts".
• Kyoto National Museum: Textiles
• The Costume Museum: Costume History in Japan
• Kimono Fraise; includes directions on how to put on a kimono
• Love Kimono!; A lot of knowledge of kimono with pictures.
• Kimonoan information on Yakuta

Craft Materials

• Kimono from the V&A Collection. Asia. Victoria and Albert Museum. The Victoria and Albert Museum (often abbreviated as the V&A) in London is the world's largest museum of decorative arts and design housing a permanent collection Retrieved on 2007-07-13. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 1174 - William I of Scotland, a key rebel in the Revolt of 1173-1174, is captured at Alnwick by forces loyal to
• Fashioning Kimono: Dress in early 20th century Japan. Asia. Victoria and Albert Museum. The Victoria and Albert Museum (often abbreviated as the V&A) in London is the world's largest museum of decorative arts and design housing a permanent collection Retrieved on 2007-06-16. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 1487 - Battle of Stoke Field, the last dying breath of the Wars of the Roses.