This is a truly authentic and truly vintage, lined kimono which I am offering at an affordable price. This garment is a genuine kimono from Japan, made in the traditional form and is in excellent vintage condition.
The outer fabric is very unusual and lovely.
It is a little weight but fairly soft with a slinky feel and nice drape. The fabric although smooth has a very slightly woven feel which is nice to touch. I have to say that this is the first time I have seen this sort of texture of silk.
The pattern is also rather unusual and lovely. The base colour is actually a dark blue and the design is printed in 4 deep colours but because there is an overall tiny white dot pattern, the deep colours appear lightened to a paler tone by the presence of the white dots.
This dotted pattern is reminiscent of popular patterns of the Edo period (1603-1868) patterns which incorporated these tiny dots in various patterns which were used by the Samurai for formal clothing with each family having its own design. I think the original dot pattern was called 'same' and was supposed to symbolize shark skin.
So although dots patterns were quite common in days gone by, it is not so usual to find this fine dot pattern with a pictorial design as we see on this kimono.
So there is a lovely design of an idyllic ancient rural landscape with small hills, trees, plants, flowers, houses and temples. The plants include plum blossom, maple leaves and bamboo leaves.
The colours are light blue, deep grey, deep reddish brown and green, all being looking paler due to the white dot patterning.
The kimono is lined, with fine, warm white, silky fabric which I think is silk. The skirt and cuff is lined with fine pink crepe silk. This lining is typical of the 1950s
Please note: This item did not originally come with a belt. Kimono are normally worn with a special obi belt which would be bought separately. On this occasion, I have supplied a vintage and gently used, authentic obijime cord to tie this kimono closed. It is made of an intricately plaited silk cord in a deep blue colour which is not an exact match but compliments the colours of the kimono IMO.
OBIJIME -The obijime is a traditional kimono accessory, It is a long cord that is traditionally tied round the centre of the obi to keep everything in place and finish it off. Obijime normally sell for over £10 on their own, so this is a good bonus.
AGE & CONDITION :. The shorter length, patterning and pink lining, all suggest the 1950s or a bit earlier.
It is in truly excellent/ near mint vintage condition for its age with no conspicuous faults at all to the exteriori which is rare to find. There are some minor marks in the body lining which would not show on wearing. This is a gently used item is great overall condition for its age but please do not expect it to be exactly like new.
SIZE : It is a typical size for a kimono of its era (which is much shorter than contemporary kimono which are very long indeed). So although still long, it is a much more 'normal' wearing length than most authentic Japanese kimonos. This is a great bonus as it may well not need shortening (depending on your height). It should fit a range of sizes up to a maximum of UK12.
Cuff to cuff width is 123cm/48.5”.
Overall length is 138.5cm/54.5”.
The width across the back (side seam to side seam) is 60cm/23.5”. The width all around at the waist is about 50"/130cm and please remember you need a good crossover in the front.
It weighs about 800g.
The obijime belt cord is about 62"/ 157cm long.
WHY ARE MOST WOMEN'S KIMONO SO LONG? Contemporary and formal kimonos can be very long indeed. This is because they are traditionally shortened by hitching up at the waist and hiding the excess fabric behind the wide obi belt. (I can send instructions on how to do this if you want them). If you want to shorten a long kimono for ease of use then of course it can be hemmed up in the normal way.
CLEANING: Vintage silk items should not be washed. They can usually be dry cleaned. Old stains are not usually removable and some finishes like gold paint may be diminished by dry cleaning.
If you need any more information or pictures just send me a message.
All information is to the best of my knowledge. Please bear in mind, that colours do not always show absolutely accurately on photos and on monitors although they should be close to reality.
My items are mostly vintage and are not returnable unless grossly mis-described, so please check the details and measurements before bidding/buying. Please be aware that vintage clothing does not usually 'look like new' even when it is in excellent condition. Some slight general signs of ageing and use should be expected. If these are conspicuous they will be mentioned in the description.
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On post to overseas. - On low value items, I can use standard airmail which is insured for up to £20. This is not tracked. If you want a tracked service, then please ask for a quote or choose the signed for service at check out. For higher priced goods I will be quoting for signed for mail which has adequate insurance.
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Combined postage for UK buyers, depending on what you buy, I will look into the most secure and economical way to send combined parcels and advise you of options. But again as the weight and value of the parcel rises so does the postage cost. Please do not expect large savings on combined postage. Sometimes it is actually cheaper to send two or three small parcels than one large one.
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