also: ほうい
noun
linen kariginu
Historical term for a type of kariginu (hunting robe) made of linen, worn by courtiers in ancient Japan.
See also: 狩衣
平安時代の布衣は、夏の狩衣として用いられた。
In the Heian period, 布衣 was used as a summer kariginu.
noun
plain kariginu (Edo period)
Historical term for a simple, unlined kariginu worn by lower-ranking samurai or commoners during the Edo period.
See also: 狩衣
江戸時代の布衣は、身分の低い武士が着用した。
In the Edo period, 布衣 was worn by low-ranking samurai.
noun
Historical term referring to a person of low social status, derived from the plain clothing they wore.
布衣の身分から立身出世した人物もいる。
Some people rose from commoner status to success.
狩衣 is the general term for the hunting robe; 布衣 specifically refers to a linen or plain version of it.
The term 布衣 literally means 'cloth garment', referring to the plain, unadorned nature of the clothing. The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but it is associated with lower-status attire.