Beauty in Japanese: the exhibition of traditional kimono belts opened at the VSUES

A new exhibition "Obi Belt: amulet and decoration" has opened in the art space of the Museum and Exhibition Complex of the VSUES. The exhibition introduces belts for traditional Japanese costume and continues the cycle of artistic meetings dedicated to Japanese culture and costume in particular.

The exhibits presented at the exhibition are from the personal collection of the curator of the exhibition Olga Khovanchuk — orientalist, researcher of Japanese costume, Candidate of Historical Sciences:

— When we see a woman in a kimono, a bow on her back immediately catches our eye. The obi belt is the most important decoration of Japanese traditional clothing. Wide, expensive and beautiful. However, he was not always like that. At first, the clothes were belted with a thin cord or a ribbon of himo fabric, which was tied with an ordinary knot with two loops. The belt was considered a talisman that connected a person with the gods, like an umbilical cord. It was also believed that people tie their souls with a belt, so there was a custom between spouses to tie a belt to each other as an oath of allegiance, — explains Olga Khovanchuk.

Since the mid-20th century, the kimono ensemble has become very formalized, more conventions and standards have appeared, but the obi belt remains the main decoration of the costume, both female and male. Women''s differ in size and number of patterns. By the way, the belts of the 20th century period can be seen at the exhibition, at least fifty exhibits in total.

The culture and art of the Land of the Rising Sun, the traditional form of clothing of Japanese residents invariably arouse great interest:

— The strangeness and beauty attracts the European, and in particular, the Russian audience. The combination of Japanese colors, ornaments and patterns at first glance seems incongruous, but getting into one ensemble it becomes clear — this is how it should be, it looks organic and beautiful," the curator of the exhibition emphasizes.

The exhibition located in the lobby of the third building (41, Gogolya str.) and will last until the end of February 2022.

Admission is free. To visit the University at the Pass Office (VSUES, «Studentcheskaya» stop) must present a passport.