Along with the famous examples of Samurai-only swords and hairdos, there seem to have been a myriad of rules restricting clothing, fabrics and other consumer items.
What was the point of these rules - how were they expected to promote ‘stability’?
How effective were they? There seem to be many examples of the rules being flouted or evaded (eg. patterned kimono linings).
A little late but you might be interested in my previous answer to a related question: What are the real reasons kite-flying was banned in 18th century Japan? in which I explain the ideas behind Sumptuary Laws and how seriously they were taken.
Very interesting. I hadn’t imagined the level of restriction on the upper classes’ behaviour. I thought it would be more preventing the merchants from getting ‘above their station’.