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.
