STORIES 着物物語
These two mourning kimono were owned by my mother. They both carry the facing pigeon crest of her family. This family crest was given by the Shogun Minamoto Yoritomo to my mother’s ancestors. I can associate with the samurai spirit through this, as it has been passed down the generations. I have many cousins because my mother was one of eight children, so I have many memories of a bright and happy childhood, and so I love this crest.
This plain kimono has a fan crest and this comes from my father’s family. It was made for my mother after her marriage and that is why it has his crest on it.
I think kimono culture is wonderful and precious. I will try to wear kimono more often in my life. And also I will cherish the heart of my family, ancestors and Japanese through kimono.
この２枚の喪の着物は母の物で、家紋は母の実家の紋である「向かい鳩」です。この紋は母の実家のご先祖さまが源頼朝より授かった紋で、鳩にまつわるこの家紋の由来が代々語り継がれています。武士だった先祖の生き方やスピリットに共感しますし、母は８人兄弟でしたので従姉妹も多く、子供時代はにぎやかで楽しい思い出がたくさんあるため、この紋にとても愛着があります。
この色無地の着物の扇の家紋は父方の紋です。母が父と結婚した後に作った着物ですので、この着物には父方の家紋が入っています。
着物の文化は素晴らしく、そして貴重だと思います。私の人生で、もっと着物を着る機会を増やしながら、着物を通して、家族や祖先、あるいは日本人の心を大切にしていきたいと思います。
The Kimono Closet 