Comment on Revisited: Compare by Fuyou-hime
I do have a question about Obi's. The maiko and geisha both have the okya's crests on it?
I've heard of okya's sharing kimono and obis. Is it really ok for a maiko/ geisha to wear anothers okya's crests?
I've heard of okya's sharing kimono and obis. Is it really ok for a maiko/ geisha to wear anothers okya's crests?
I've yet to see a geisha wear an obi with her or her okiya's crest on it. While crests in general may be a design feature, they aren't an identifying tool the way a maiko's obi crest is.
Whether okiya share clothing is a tricky question. I've heard of it too, both that they do it and that they don't. I don't think maiko's obi can be borrowed, because I don't think maiko are allowed to wear any crest other than their okiya's. But the crests on kimono aren't as strict, especially since independent geisha can wear their own personal crests. So, with kimono and geiko's obi, it's up in the air, but with maiko's obi I'd say no.
Whether okiya share clothing is a tricky question. I've heard of it too, both that they do it and that they don't. I don't think maiko's obi can be borrowed, because I don't think maiko are allowed to wear any crest other than their okiya's. But the crests on kimono aren't as strict, especially since independent geisha can wear their own personal crests. So, with kimono and geiko's obi, it's up in the air, but with maiko's obi I'd say no.