The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1895-01-13

ooSAihhi idAtEl ~ HOtNiilS nVit VI iNH1
than society banded together for the
sole purpose of studying Japanese wo-
man, her customs and costumes. Need
less TO say, the club is composed of fomi-
ninity only. Each member was required
to look into the subject for week and
then bring TO the frs. meeting all the
facts size had been able to collate. 1t
was a curious meeting that first night.
AS the name of number one was called
she arose with a little horror in her gem
tie face. Girls, they never take dips
or shower baths. All they do is to stand
in the water or crouch down around 1t.
But never, never do they wet their pre-
clous necks and heads"
why" broke in another at this; my
book says they're very punctilious about
bathing, and that IL and their religious
devotions are performed every morning"
Yes" chimed in the girl Mt the desk,
acting for the secretary, with an utter
disregard of parliamentary rules; and
when they're through with their bath and
prayers, they kneel before a cneval glass
ana examine their chest. If it doesn't
look quite so fiat as 1t did the day before
they are miserable. They don't want
development az we do The swells there
are as tat as-as-" and she looked about
for an expressive smile.
Your new sleeves when the stiffening
has been crushed out OF them," suggested
one; and Toms hat after ! sat on it, "
said another.
"Order! raped the chairman, frown-
ing with becoming dignity.
Number two arose with a ponderous
tome in her hand. ut says here" she
began slowly; that that's the rea-
ise and cut their undergarments
low, and have the loose top
robe open in front. 1t Is very convenient
for them to observe whether their chests
are keeping the depressed appearance that
marks the lady"
The men and women all dress alike"
volunteered another, with puzzled eX-
preston; 81 wonder how one tells them
apart"
AT any rate" came from the next
who was called: 'it must be some com
fort to live In Japan. You can tell a
married woman the moment you see her,
wi hout waiting TO be introduced. When
the poor things get married they have TO
shave off their eyebrows and blacken
their teeth, and take the prettieSt orna-
IaoDts cut of their hair and rouge from
their face. How their husbands can
love them after that, / can't imagine"
IAN L could find out" said a gentle lit
tie thing; was that their skin is gen
orally clear and white. that their hair is
always glossy, that their figures are slen-
der, and that they always look gracious
and attractive. It's a pity they have
to lose it all when they marry"
YES" said the last one Of all. for the
club is not large; "the young girls do moth
ing but fix themselves up. They whiten
their neck and shoulders with a starchy
liquid. they paint their lips and cheeks,
and pile their locks into great structures
Il MI. \, hell 10.
and coral pins. or else funny glass pins
that are half-hlled with a colored liquid.
| know, for have been reading all about
IL. I'm going TO a nancy ball next week,
and l am going TO be Jap. When the
meeting adtourns, I'll show you the dress,
If you would like to come over and see
it,"
So the ten seekers after knowledge en-
Enthusiastically closed the meeting and
went TO look at the gown.
At the fancy dress affairs one sees many
suggestions OF the japanese in the cos
tuning. Somehow, the poor Chinese
seem TO be In disfayor, for one sees moth
ing OF Chinese mandarins or other great
officials. A Japanese pair created great
amusement at IL reception given by II
number of art students. who had intima-
ted 10 their friends that fantastic cos
tunes would De- III oIutT.
The japanese lady and gentleman were
both girls. but the gentleman was made
up so cleverly that few suspected his
identity. His dress correspondent in every
way with the girls, except that the
"obP' was somewhat narrower, and that
he wore q loose coat ever his ample robe.
His ridigon was of yellow SILK, with large
arabesaues In coral tnts woven in. The
jacket was of sea-blue velvet, edged win
rich galloon or blue and garnet UNITS. Tue
great sleeves had other bordering, In gold
and coral shades. He or she carried a
fan in one hand. and a big spray OF chrys-
anthemums In the other.
The fair lady, who never left his Side,
must have bOasted high rank, tor her
robe was of great richness. The Japan
csc silk was an old-rose brocade, and the
skirt was a plain. wide breadth wound
twice about her, the second time caught
up sufficiently 10 show the first winding
OF the material, which was broadly edged
with most regal embroidery. a wide,
finely-gathered belt OF yellow satin was
wound with deep wine-colored velvet.
The large sleeves were fastened together
with ribbon bows. A large spray OF
chrysanthemums grew out of her belt.
and others stood at each side OF the
high, graceful couture, which was stabbed
ried a small screen ian.
There were other striking costumes az
this fancy dress gathering. A smart
personation OF a gay checker-board was
in small diamonds OF gay cherry and yell
low satin. alternated with black ruches
that slightly toned the outre combination.
Df course there was butterfly, but
N rather cleverer one than usual. Each
Side OF her head was adorned with
long wing of spangied white tulle. stiff-
ened at the edges. and the wire attennae
stood up between, held with velvet choux.
Small butterflies poised on each shoulder.
and were scattered over the gown OF
spreading yellow tulle.
A notwithstanding individual with
.slg30' gracefully outlined across her satin
skirt OF deep crimson, wore deepiy-cut
bodice OF the same, hung with cobweo
lace. falling down from the shoulders,
and ornamented there with large bows OF
white satin, streaked with blood color.
Her coifrure was the amazing part or her.
II was a Ia giraffe. parted I'm the centre.
with q portion of the hair carried down
each side OF the face. and rolled into
great knob. whence hung ribbon bows.
The remainder OF her tresses had been
braided into wide plaits. and arranged In
three circles at the back of the crown.
1hree high ostrich and bird-of-paradise
ulumes reared themselves In the crimson
-.htto fipta M thu 0OWn-