“Painterliness” using the wide top surface
The “Painterliness” using the wide surface is also a major characteristic of traditional Japanese footwear.
Some footwear actually includes Ukiyo-e, etc., while others are engraved with motifs such as plants or dragons and tigers.
There are a wide variety of styles, including those in which the images are individually hand-painted by artisans using a brush; those painted using a traditional technique called “maki-e”, in which gold and silver powders are used for painting; the traditional technique of “raden”, in which thin slices of shiny shellfish are embedded; and kiritsugi, in which leather of different colours and textures is gathered together to form interesting designs.
From traditional designs to contemporary art, what other type of footwear can offer such a wide range of expression?
Elaborate in places others can’t see.
Of course, this top surface design is not visible to others when you are wearing them. However, they are slightly visible as you walk, and when they are taken off and placed in the entranceway, they are truly picturesque and eye-catching, which is what makes traditional Japanese footwear so unique and interesting.
The lining of a kimono or haori (a traditional Japanese jacket worn over a kimono) can be surprisingly elaborate, or a simple kimono or haori can be dyed with exquisite patterns if you get close enough. …… It is the uniqueness of the traditional Japanese sense of beauty to focus on designs that others cannot see.
