Yuzuriha Nekoi : Clamp’s X/1999

A junior high school student and the youngest member of the group. She is an inugami-master from the Mitsumine Shrine. An inugami is a dog-spirit and her particular inugami is named Inuki. Yuzuriha is also responsible for the increasing sales of Pocky snacks amongst CLAMP readers, ever since she offered one as a peace offering to Kamui. Due to her age, Yuzuriha is portrayed as rather ‘genki’ (lively and spirited). However, she had a rather unhappy childhood, having been teased by her friends who could not see Inuki and hence did not believe in its existence. As a result, Yuzuriha vowed to love the first man who can see Inuki. This person turned out to be Kusanagi from the Dragons of Earth. Recently she suffered another heartbreak as Inuki died protecting her from Satsuki’s attacks. However, the May 2000 issue of Asuka revealed that she may have a new power.

iii strength tarot
This card can be taken as an indication of the outcome of a struggle such as that symbolized by the Chariot. It represents the inner strength of the seeker, and, when well-aspected, indicates courage, energy and success. character: Even though she is just a 14 year old, lil Yuzuriha has courage and strength when fighting against the Angels. Even when Inuki died, she still wanted to pitch in and help Kamui fought against Fuuma, and through her strong will, another Inuki was born, in a way indicating success. In addition, she is always filled with energy, showing that Strength is the card for Yuzuriha.

Inspiration

Yaya had been looking for art for her character Hinoto and sent me many pages of Clamp art to peruse. I knew I had wanted to do one as well for a while, the art being so beautiful. I felt Yuzuriha was an appropriate choice, no only because of the tarot art, but because I felt she was something I could seriously identify with.

Creation

This costume is one of my favorites. I had a great time making all of the pieces.

Two kimonos were created using an altered Folkwear pattern, the arms being threaded with gold cording through many buttonholes.

The wig was purchased. Yaya cut and styled it accurately. Ribbon for the forehead was trimmed with gold cord and bells. The necklace was a combo of hand-painted wooden beads and hand-sculpted comma-shaped beads. The arm gauntlets are made from red stain opera length gloves trimmed and sewn. The shoes are asian-type sandals trimmed with gold cord and hand-sculpted comma-shaped beads.

The obi is oversized and is made in two pieces. The band being velcroed in the back with the bow being attached afterwards. The obi is completely hand-painted matching the pattern on the drawing as accurately as possible. The white satin cord is tied on in a triple square-knot. Red satin is tucked and sewn into the top for color. A rectangle of patterned bridal satin is sewn into a fan shape and embellished with a handmade emblem. The emblem is made from 2 sets of satin frog closures, painted with champagne metallic paint, hand sewn together with a marbled stone button in the center. The tassel is attached with another marbled stone button.

Thanks to Meg for allowing me to borrow various authentic Japanese undergarments and tabi socks.
Thanks to Yaya for the gift of the white crepe back satin for my birthday, helping with the wig, and for the sculpting of several large beads.
Thanks to Melissa, Millie and Yaya for help in hand-painting the uber-large obi.