Traditional Japanese costume. Already worn in
the Han period (1,000 years ago), it is still
used by women for formal wear and informally
by men. For the finest kimonos a rectangular
piece of silk (about 11 m/36 ft x 0.5 m/1.5
ft) is cut into seven pieces for tailoring.
The design (which must match perfectly over
the seams and for which flowers are the usual
motif) is then painted by hand and enhanced
by embroidery or gilding. The accompanying
obi, or sash, is also embroidered.