The San Francisco call., 1897-02-14

yAAAg; is a japanese luncheon. Not an
A$N invitation affair at which the er-
ra ic pictures on the time -honored BAN boo
and silk paper fans are reiigiouslv fol-
lowed and ladies sit around on chairs
and chat of the latest scandal, but bona
tide Jap lunch where meals fit to set before
the Empress of Japan are served ana the
ladies appear in genuine suso-moyos i'm
ported for the occasion from the realm of
the Mikado.
These odd luncheons have in some mys-
terious way, and for no apparent reason,
sprung into popularity with the younger
SET of the -Four Hundred, but unlike many
of the recent popular fads they are actu-
ally interesting.
In arranging for one of these entertain
ments the opportunity offered for pictur-
esque effect is utilized by the hostess to
the utmost, many striking decorations be-
ing used.
The rooms are made to represent as
nearly as possible typical Japanese inte-
rior. The angular and formal Western
furniture is hidden behind tall screens
reaching from the floor almost to the CELL
ing, and these, with the exercise OF little
skill and tact in arrangement, can be made
to resem bic the gayly pictured sliding walls
OF Japanese room.
Silk paper um brellas are opened and
hung about the ceiling, very effectually
concealing all traces of the calciminer's s
handiwork and such incongruous features
as the elaborate hanging chandelier and
electric lights.
Bamboo hangngs are arranged before
the doors and are placed over all the win
dows, while about the floors are scattered
Oriental rugs, worked in designs which
could not possibly be evolved from any
but true and patriotic Japanese mind.
To make the luncheon a success the
most minute details are followed, even to
the extent of removing all chairs and
seats, their places being taken by tiny
stools and an abundance of soft, downy
cushions upon which the ladies find ac-
commodations in true japanese style,
sitting a la Turk or reclining in a COM
Portable but decidedly negligee fashion.
1t is perhaps needless to say right here
that the masculine element of society is
as strictly barred from participation in
these unique luncheons as from the harem
OF good Mohammedan, hence the absolute
freedom which the fair imitators of the
women of the island kingdom enjoy.
The curio shops are thoroughly ran
sacked for odds and ends of japanese art,
and If no other purpose is accomplished
by the fad it has at least the effect of dis
seminating among the ladies of the swell
set more thorough and exact knowledge
of Japanese methods, manners and Gus
toms than they ever knew before.
Tables, as understood by the more push
ing and practical American mind, are as
strictly tabooed as are chairs. The pictur-
esque substitutes, which are dainty little
lacquered stands about ten inches high
are iully as convenient for the uses in
tended, and, somehow, a dainty meal OF
unknown foreign delicacies. with ali sorts
of peculiar but not unpleasant havors
served from these tiny stands, tastes much
! better than if placed before one on prac-
tical, coldly dignifeG mahogany.
| One of the most delightful and pictur-
esque eff cts at these luncheons is OBJ
tanned by the varied colors and costumes
worn by the ladies.
For the Information OF those who
| lack training in the mysteries of the
| language of the Mikados subjects it may
be said that the suso-moyo, in which all
| the ladies appear means dinner dress, or.
as it is literally translated, suso-edge,
| moyo-patiern.
The suso-moyo Is long dress of silk
crepe, reaching from the neck to the feet
and trailing at the back.
| Around the waist is worn the obi or
satin sash, which is one of the most i'm
portant portions of the feminine raiment
1t is wound several times around the BODY
and in japanese lady's costume it takes
the place-pardon the word-of the corset
of her Western sister. 1t is. tied at the