JAPANESE LADIES.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2312, 14 August 1880, Page 2

JAPANESE LADIES.

The costume of the Japanese women is simply a long wrapper, reaching from neck to feet. In full dress it Hows out in a circle on the floor for a foot round the lady, whose feet, though never bound like the Chinese, are delicately small. Neither opium-smoking nor feet-hinding arc known in the .Sunrise Kingdom, a fact which differentiates them strongly from the people of the Middle Kingdom. For six inches or more from tins bottom in front the inner robes are made to fold backward, without exposing the white sock-encased and sandalled foot, making elegant

contrast of color, usually deep crimson and pure white. Tho dress is of sober tints fur the street. Slate, dark blues, or greens, blacks, or greys predominate. Indoors the colors are rich and splendid, rivalling the rainbow. Only the singing girls, semi-public characters, put on gay colors out of doors ; the lady never does, except on certain special occasions, the dress fits the figure finely from waist to shoulders. The flowing sleeves are graceful, just freeing tho-plump Hi tie hand with its tapering fingers. From waist to knee the dress is absurdly tight, preventing graceful motion in walking, and turning a walk into a waddle. The girdle, the most important part of the dress, clasps the waist with a gorgeous periphery of satin, embroidered silk, or rich damask, and serves as belt and corset. The tying of tho girdle is a theme for an epic poem. Its successful accomplishment makes the proud wearer a target of congratulation.