My New Year’s resolution is to work on the data base for my collection of textiles. It’s a pleasure to get things out and look at them again. This is the back of an under kimono. Women liked to wear red under their proper outer kimono. The silk is silky, the hem is padded, and the size is ample. I love it and decided to hang it for a while in my bedroom. The last picture is the most precious one.
Here is the front. Hard to imagine it all being covered up by an outer kimono. It must have made a woman feel good.
Here is a close look at the patterns in the outer fabric.
The lining of this under kimono is extremely special because it was dyed with safflowers. You can tell by the color. It generally is fugitive, meaning it fades in time. The lining is almost tissue thin. A hidden treasure. It must have felt sumptuous to wear.
Well Peggy, if that is not the most gorgeous kimono! Glad you are cataloging your collection…as always I am a happy voyeur.
That is a beautiful treasure Peggy. You said the hem is padded, is that a specific detail in kimonos? What would the purpose be? Thanks for sharing part of your collection.
If you’ve seen pictures of fancy Japanese ladies in fancy kimono, the hem is splayed out. I thing the padding in the hem is for that purpose. Making it more luxurious.
Peggy
thanks for sharing. I, too, have kimonos from Japan in the closet and need to get them out and enjoy them!
They are so very beautiful so it’s too bad that they don’t show!
Stunning kimono!
Beautiful. Thank you for sharing.
Happy New year to you Peggy.
Happy New Year!
Absolutely wonderful! Thank you for sharing. I look forward to seeing your collection.
Did you buy this kimono in Japan? If so, or not, where specifically? What made you drawn to this kimono compared to any others you might have seen?
Yes, I bought it in Japan and I can remember from whom. Morita is the name of the shop in Tokyo. Mr. and Mrs. Morita have an antique textile business. that’s one of the first places I go to when in Tokyo. I love the lining because it is so fine and precious. And I like the idea of the under kimono being sort of secretive. Also, the outer fabric is beautiful and wonderful silk.
Peggy