The Style of the Jade Empire
Shops and Stores

Costume Patterns

The style of the Jade Empire is based on Asian styles of the Early Medieval Period, that is, China's Song, Tang, and Ming Dynasties, and Japan's Heian and Kamakura/Azuchi-Momoyama/Sengoku Periods. There are a wide range of styles available, and can be tailored to suit almost any budget. Later-period costumes will be accepted, but the look of the Empire is dominated by these styles.

Examples:
The Kyoto Costume Museum - An excellent range of historical Japanese clothing; click 'Costume History in Japan' and then 'The Kamakura Period' for the correct look of the Jade Empire.

There are three threads on the Forums with pictures for costuming inspiration:

There are many shops out there that have suitable gear for Jade Empire. Many thrift shops have suitable second-hand clothing and ornaments.

 

Physical Stores: 

XIA - 17 Mercury Lane, Auckland City - Clothing, accessories, and set details.

Made in Nippon - 313 Queen Street, Auckland City - Clothing, accessories, set details, and foodstuffs.

Auckland Martial Arts Supplies - 315 Queen Street, Auckland City - Clothing.

 

Online:

TradeMe - Just about anything! Auctions within New Zealand.

eBay - Again, just about anything! Auctions worldwide; don't forget currency conversion and shipping.

www.goodorient.com - Clothing of all types.

Ichiroya - Japanese clothing and accessories.

Yamatoku - Japanese clothing and accessories.

 

 

Empire clothing is relatively easy to make; if you can sew a straight seam, you can put together an appropriate costume.

Costume patterns can be found online and in stores.

Folkwear Asian - Authentic patterns with clear, easy instructions.

Tanki Yoriaku - Hi Ko Ben - An Explanation of Armour Wearing. The translation of a 18th Century text explaining (with diagrams) how to put on samurai armour. Includes links to patterns, extant examples, and suppliers.
The Costumer's Manifesto - Asia - A wide range of links to Chinese, Japanese, and other Asian costuming.

Wodeford Hall: The Kosode - Detailed, historically accurate instructions for making kimono by an SCA re-enactor, Saionji no Hanae.

These are basic pictorial diagrams for how to make Jade Empire costuming, but do not include sizing.

Kimono
Zhigi

Courtier's Collar and Sleeves

Female Courtier's Headdress

Overskirt or Train

This is suitable for almost any material; it simply depends on what type of character is being portrayed. It can be lengthened or shortened, as can the sleeves, for different looks, and it can be used as underwear, outerwear, or even as an over-robe. To correctly size a kimono, stretch out both arms and measure the distance wrist-to-wrist. Divide this distance by two; this is the 'yuki' measurement, and is the width of the back body panel. Divide the yuki distance by two; this is the width of the sleeve panels. Alteration by approximately ten centimetres either way for either the body panel or the sleeve will still have the proportions correct while allowing a better fit. The length of the collar (marked as 'neck' in the diagram) should be enough to wrap comfortably around the neck, cross across the body, and down to the opposite hip; this will give the correct angle to cut the front panels.

 

To imitate the rich, layered look of the courtier's kimono, without the expense, use this quick insert version of the layers that are visible at the edge of the collar and sleeves. Contrasting or graduated colours are popular; for example, a Wave Clan courtier might have a blue kimono, and use graduated shades of green; a Lantern Clan courtier with a red kimono might use layered black and gold for a striking combination. Metallic or heavily embroidered fabrics are perfect as a hint of subtle showiness.

 

There are two common types of headdress, the panel headdress and the phoenix headdress. The panel headdress is the simplest, and can be easily made. It can be worn as a headband, as a tiara, or tied around a piled hairstyle. The phoenix headdress is more complex, and needs to be worn as a headband. 

 

 

 

Overskirts or trains add instant elegance to an outfit, and are very popular with courtiers. They can be made of any fabric, with painted or printed designs. The long streamers of a train are often embellished with auspicious characters. The illustration below shows a courtier in layered kimono, with a painted train, and a rukan over top.