Paper robes (kamiko)

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Paper robes (kamiko)

***** Location: Japan
***** Season: All winter
***** Category: Humanity

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Explanation

paper robe, kamiko 紙衣 (かみこ) 紙子（かみこ）
Japanese Paper Clothing, paper coat, paper vest


..... kamiginu 紙ぎぬ（かみぎぬ）

white paper robe, shirokamiko 白紙子（しろかみこ）
simple paper robe, sugamiko 素紙子（すがみこ）


vendor of paper robes, kamiko uri 紙子売（かみこうり）




Learn the basics about
WKD : Japanese Paper, washi 和紙


The kozo paper is treated with persimmon tannin and, after drying, it is crumpled thoroughly, and then smoothed and tailored into wearable apparel.
©　A Handbook on the Art of Washi:

The tannin would color the paper slightly reddish-brown and keep it impregnated against water for a while.


Paper war vest (jinbaori 陣羽織) with tannin impregnation

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Two kamiko haiku by Matsuo Basho

. Matsuo Basho 松尾芭蕉 - Archives of the WKD .

Dresses made of paper, kamiko 紙子,紙衣

Paper clothing was used by poor peasants to keep warm in winter.

Matsuo Basho might have used one of these warm robes from Shiroishi.



かげろうふの我肩に立かみこかな
kageroo no waga kata ni tatsu kamiko kana

heat waves shimmer
on the shoulders of my
paper robe
Tr. Ueda


Discussion of the hokku :
- WKD : Basho, Oku no Hosomichi -　


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With more photos :
source :　fukushoku

矯めつけて雪見にまかる紙子哉　
tametsukete yuki mi ni makaru kamiko kana

I will fold it properly
and wear it for snow-viewing -
this paper robe

Basho was not carrying much luggage and had to make do with his old paper robe.
All he could do is fold it again to show the proper pleads.
This is a rare glimpse of the man Basho, worrying about his proper outfit for a haikai meeting.

. Matsuo Basho 松尾芭蕉 - Ok no Kobumi .


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In Osaka Kabuki, the main actor wears a robe made of paper, kamiko 紙衣. This does not flow naturally around the body and the actor has to make extra efforts to show a natural pose.
Kabuki and Haiku

GOOGLE : kamiko paper japan kimono

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kigo for all winter

kamisuki, kami suki 紙漉 かみすき
papermaking, making paper (by hand)
kansuki 寒漉（かんすき）making paper in the cold
kamihoshiba 紙干場（かみほしば）place to dry paper
kamisukime, kamisuki me 紙漉女（かみすきめ）woman who makes paper

koozo sarasu 楮晒す（こうぞさらす）washing the paper mulberry fibers
koozo musu 楮蒸す（こうぞむす）steaming the paper mulberry fibers

mitsumata musu 三椏蒸す（みつまたむす） steaming tridend daphne fibers

Papierschöpfen von Hand

WKD : Trident Daphne, Mitsumata 三叉、三椏
used for making paper


. Tororo Aoi 黄蜀葵 and glue 寒糊 made from it in winter 　
Abelmoschus manihot
More paper-related kigo


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Worldwide use


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Things found on the way


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HAIKU

皺足と同じ色なる紙衣哉
shiwa ashi to onaji iro naru kamiko kana

now the same color
as my wrinkled feet...
paper robe

Kobayashi Issa
Tr. David Lanoue



becoming the same color
as wrinkled feet ...
this paper robe
Tr. Gabi Greve


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Related words

***** Warm Things to keep you warm in Winter in Japan

***** Kimono, Traditional Japanese Robes

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