Color spectrum created by layering garments (kasane no irome) and expressing the “scent of red plum”, Heian Period Costumes

A unique beauty lies in Heian-period costumes. Even among the wide variety of traditional costumes, these stand out for the quality of their silks, their combinations and layering of colors, and their voluminous, sumptuous fabrics. The colors and color co-ordinations created by the layering of garments (kasane no irome) have poetic names evocative of the seasons. The “scent of red plum” combination shown here brings to mind the red flowers of the plum tree blooming in early spring.