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Circa: 1920s
Condition: Excellent
Size: Med
Type: Kimonos
Manufacturer: Handmade, Hand painted
In the early twenties and through the thirties, the "oriental" influence was seen in the fine arts and spilled elaborately into fashion--especially for the upper classes.
This Japanese kimono is a lovely example of the authentic Japanese wearable art of that period.
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This hand-painted kimono has gold metallic threads running through the gold and green leaf print pattern and metallic paint on hand-painted details. The leaf design with a color combination of light and deep purple, greens and golds, with red accents is exotic and beautiful. The fabric is silk crepe, sleeves completely lined in red silk. The upper lining is cotton; the lower lining is yellow silk.
With a resist dyeing technique that was invented in 17th century, a mixture of rice paste and soybeans has been used to draw delicate linear shapes on the silk crepe. After this paste resist dries, areas on both sides of the shape are painted with brushes, using particular dyes and leaving subtle color gradations. (The rice paste works as a resist, preventing the dyes from spilling into surrounding areas). Even the gradated background dye colors are hand painted.
<p>The measurements are: </p>
<p>Back neck to hem:50 1/2"-with a 7" hem
Underarm to hem: 25 1/2"
<p>Across shoulders, sleeves: 50"</p>
A NOTE ON SIZES:
Of course this kimono could be used for display--but certainly could be worn as well.
According charts from experts that I have found, kimonos measuring 48" across the shoulders/arms fit sizes 4-8, and those measuring at least 50" across fit sizes 8-12. I believe this one could go the whole gamut from size 4-12.
The condition of the kimono is very very good. I see no spots, stains or tears. There are a few small pulls in the silk that can be pulled to the inside. The color may be slightly lighter than in the photos.
This garment can be cleaned but needs a professional that is familiar with hand painted garments. The garment is clean as is, but some like to re-clean vintage garments. Unlike new garments, however, lovely vintage kimonos may have small faint areas of discoloration--this is not soiling, but a function of age and use that is cherished by those who prefer beautiful vintage pieces.
This is truly a one of a kind garment and is striking worn as a robe or jacket. Originally they were very long, as Japanese women pulled them up to the exact length required and held them in place with a stiff belt called an obi. This kimono has been hemmed and has a deep 7" usable hem.
Kimonos are often worn as a robes or jackets in the West, and are left open or worn with sashes or chain belts, and bloused. If a belt or obi is to be used, (for both men and women), the right side of the kimono is wrapped around the body and the left side is overlapped and secured with the obi or belt.
This is a unique and lovely hand printed Japanese kimono from the 1920s.
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