Catalog (93)

Thick, coarse asa (hemp) kimono in beautiful condition: The collar is made out of an old cotton Kasuri, all hand done. Rare find from the Meiji period (1868-1912).

38 inches (sleeve to sleeve) x 36 inches (shoulder to bottom hem)

Beautifully hand sewn ka-gasuri summer kimono, partially lined with black and blue cottons, the color is dark blue to almost black, new condition with basting stitches. This is another Tsukurioki kimono. Tsukurioki means that it has been left unused after it was made into a kimono. These Kasuri kimonos have been associated with old women from the country-side, definitely for the non-fashionable group. These kasuri kimono are very durable, many were made to be worn as casual work clothes. I ...

This is “kataginu” (shoulder cloth), only the upper part of kamishimo without a trouser. Kami-shimo simply means top and bottom in Japanese. It was a high ranking samurai’s formal attire when they attended official meetings at the Edo castle. It was worn over kosode (kimono with small sleeves) with trousers. The shoulders are arch shaped and this was the style that developed in the late Edo period (1603-1868). Longer trousers (approx. 1.5 times longer) were chosen for special occa...

This is “kataginu” (shoulder cloth), only the upper vest of kamishimo without a trouser. Kami-shimo simply means top and bottom in Japanese. It was a high ranking samurai’s formal attire when they attended official meetings at the Edo castle. It was worn over kosode (kimono with small sleeves) with trousers. The shoulders are arch shaped and this was the style that developed in the late Edo period (1603-1868). Longer trousers (approx. 1.5 times longer) were chosen for special occa...

This is “kataginu” (shoulder cloth), only the upper vest of kamishimo without a trouser. Kami-shimo simply means top and bottom in Japanese. It was a high ranking samurai’s formal attire when they attended official meetings at the Edo castle. It was worn over kosode (kimono with small sleeves) with trousers. The shoulders are arch shaped and this was the style that developed in the late Edo period (1603-1868). Longer trousers (approx. 1.5 times longer) were chosen for special occa...

The fabric is thick, silver brocade that appears to be taken from a Japanese woman's old obi from late Edo period. The liner is cotton. During the Edo period (1602-1868), there was a custom that the family of a deceased woman would donate her favorite kimono to the temple; some beautiful temple cloths were created from those wonderful fabrics. The custom was likely to have continued after the period. The design on the fabric is the four benevolent animals of Chinese mythology; qulin, drag...

Antique Japanese men’s silk juban, an undergarment worn under a kimono. The dimensions: 51 ½” across and 53” from shoulder to bottom hem.

Strikingly beautiful Japanese Nishijin obi. The style of the obi is the most formal and expensive style which is called maru obi; the design covers front and back, from one end to the other end. This is an older obi than it looks. The colors are vibrant yet elegant. The design is for the joyous occasion with cranes, hand drums, flowers, pines and repeated pattern of waves (sei kai ha) in gold.

Measurements:

Old Kyoto Nishijin obi. This obi is one of the 5 favorite obis from my collection - we have over 200 obis. It is almost impossible to find a obi like this today. The owner of the store in Tokyo where this obi was purchased once said that single good obi was coming out from one household when they go out knocking on the doors in the old town. The store had gone through changes since and no longer carries antique textiles. The designs of this obi are ancient Chinese mirrors, which covers f...

Amazingly beautiful antique Japanese obi. This is a very high quality Nishijin obi. The condition is new with basting stitches. Very fine gold threads are woven into the base silk adding a subtle but shinny look to this obi (tan color comes from this). Crystal clear sky to turquoise blue, beautiful earth tone shades of purple to pink and moss green, you must see to believe this beauty. The high quality gold was woven extensively throughout (not only in the design area) and it shines by pick...

Antique Japanese man's silk juban, an undergarment worn under a kimono. We can find true works of art hidden in this type of old kimono. The term "Juban" comes from the Portuguese word "gibao" (sleeveless garment). The design of hyotan sake (rice wine) gourds is out-lined with hand tie-dye. Interesting patterns inside the gourds. This is an old gown but the condition is like new except that the tie-dye has stretched out over the years. Circa, early 1900s. The measurements are; 52 1/2...

This is a beautiful old Japanese maru obi with the design throughout on front and back. It is the kind of obi that we no longer see them produced. The white area is rich white satin and is whiter than shown in the photos. 12-1/4" wide x 154" long. Early 1900.

This is a beautiful example of an old Kyoto Yuzen dyeing. In this kimono, you can see the white lines around the designs, the very characteristic of Yuzen dye. This is where the rice paste is used to resist the dye and is later washed off. The dye on the silk bleeds. By outlining or covering the design area with the paste, the dye artists can work with the design more freely in detail than in the older pre-Yuzen method, which simply uses dip dying and/or embroidery. This is the revolutionar...

Please see Trocadero#38274 for details.

Beautiful Shusu (satin silk) Uchikake kimono from the Meiji period (1868 - 1912). All hand sewn with embroidery and gold couching work - overlaying of threads (real gold wrapped around thread) rather than going in and out of the base fabric.

The dimensions are 50 inches between from tip to tip of the sleeves, 60 inches long and 29 and half for the sleeve length. All the edges and openings are generously stuffed with raw silk. The photos shown here do not capture the true quality of this gow...

Beautiful silk Japanese Uchikake, wedding kimono, from Taisho to Early Showa period, early 1900s. When the peaceful life of Edo (1600-1868) continued without any major battles for years, the lives of the people became more affluent. The merchant's economical power was getting stronger. Some very wealthy merchants were even supporting the different types of art and their extravagant lifestyle was influencing all the social rankings. Threatened by their increasing power, the Tokugawa governme...

Antique Japanese wedding kimono gown, black silk brocade with flying cranes over pine, plum and bamboo (Sho Chiku Bai). They are celebrative motifs that are almost always seen in the Japanese wedding and New Year. The beautiful color combination of gold threads (wrapped in real gold leaf) and white shiny silk threads are woven into the background of black Shusu, satin silk with the contrasting color of a red silk liner. This is an absolutely gorgeous wedding gown. With the detailed phot...

Breathtakingly beautiful Japanese silk wedding kimono gown, Meiji/Taisho period, lined with the contrasting color red, very soft silk. It has a beautiful, rich texture woven in a mixture of flat, diagonal and shusu satin ori (weave). Under the sun, you can see the diagonal lines of woven gold threads crossing inside (photo #5). Gowns made in the early Meiji period are not only shorter but the colors are darker with a combination of earth tones (Shibui) comparing to brighter modern gowns. ...

Beautiful Uchikake (formal gown worn over a kosode kimono by the wealthy women of the Edo period) with a pair of peacocks and peonies, "the flowers of riches and honors". I am not sure how this gown was worn- with a loose belt or no belt, with the hem up or down? The gorgeous gowns that I have seen in photos (Mitsui Collection?) were maternity gowns for the Mitsui princess in the late Edo to Meiji period. Their maternity gowns had a skinny belt attached in the back. This gown has a skin...

Beautiful old Japanese woven silk uchikake gown in new condition. The size of this gown is small (much shorter) and light in weight. We are not sure how gowns in this style were worn but our humble guess would be that they were either made into jackets for upper class women (style is similar to kosode from late Edo period), Noh custumes or wedding gowns (though the sleeves are short). Subtle but beautiful, will make a great wall decoration. Dimensions: 47 1/2"(120.7cm)W x 61"(154.9cm)L, sle...

This is a Japanese Nishijin obi made in exceptionally high quality. The obi is old but almost in perfect condition. It is beautiful to look at even without using a magnifying glass. The soft colors have an earth tone and the use of the dyed threads tells us that this is a superior work of Kyoto Nishijin. The scenery is of the mountains of Kyoto but if you look closely, you might notice that there is a foreign look to some of the structures. The size of each structure is 1" to 2.5". The...

Very attractive Japanese Yogi (bed comforter) with a pattern of chrysanthemums and scrolling vine, rice paste resist Katazome stencil dye. The cotton is not as thick as the other yogi. Excellent condition, It is an another "tsukurioki" (it had not been used after it was made - t just sit in the storage as a spare bedding for guests. One of the photo shows where the cotton wadding was taken out before the shipment. The seam at the center of the liner was opened. This will be left open ope...

Antique Japanese “Yogi” bed comforter, hand-spun cotton with "tsutsugaki" paste resist dye in aizome Japanese indigo dye. The design is auspicious symbol, Sho-Chiku-Bai (pine, bamboo, plums). The shoulder and collar areas are accented with "kasuri" cotton. Excellent condition - no holes on the front except one small L shape cut (3/4"x3/4") on the lower area, some repairs on the liner. Cotton wadding was taken out and cleaned (but not washed). Approximately 57" wide x 77" long, ...

Antique Japanese yogi, thickly woven cotton, trimmed and lined with dark aizome (Japanese blue dye). There is a opening in the center of the liner where the cotton wadding was taken out. Excellent condition (old but new). The accent piece (dyed in Katazome, stencil dye) on the collar and shoulder area were added (remove and wash purpose) and slightly soiled. Late Meiji to early Showa. Dimensions: 63" x 68" L

Japanese silk obi, Nagoya style, dyed with the design of Chinese Empress and court attendants in the bamboo grove. It appears that this was converted to current Nagoya style obi (from kimono?). The design of this obi is unique. The wide and narrow area of this obi has different designs on both sides and all seams appear clean. By taking one side of the seam apart, you have a large fabric to work with (double in size with one seam in the center). Making into a tapestry, wall hanging on c...

This is an uchikake robe (outer kimono gown) probably used as Kabuki stage costume. The bottom and the openings of sleeves are thickly padded with cotton stuffing. The design is large paulownia leaves and flowers. The exterior and liner are both thick cotton. This robe is old, and a little soiled but the fabrics still have not lost it’s strength. It is an attractive display piece. One small tear (hole) in red liner in the back, some broken couching stitches.

48” (1.22m) wide...

Beautiful Kyoto Nishijin silk obi, decorated with flowers, ribbons and mirrors. Gold is genuine and used in two different methods; strips of gilt paper (machine cut) and gold leaf wrapped around the silk threads. Some gold leaf are natually missing from the strips of paper - this did not show up in most photos (see enlargement photo). This obi looks older (clean) than shown in the photos. Circa 1920-1940. Dimensions: 12 3/4" x 170"

This is an old silk satin obi in maru obi style (design runs on both sides from one end to the other). This obi was probably made from a uchikake gown. It is very soft and feather light with soft padding inside. The padding is wrapped with floss silk inside to keep the soft material and padding intact - you need many years of experience. The design is auspicious with cranes, chrysanthemums and sho-chiku-bai (pine, bamboo, plum blossoms), all delicately woven with floss (untwisted) silk yarn...

Old kasuri (Japanese ikat) kimono worn on celebratory occasions. The fabric, which is woven with asa(hemp) and dyed in indigo (aizome), is coarse and stiff yet lustrous with an almost transparent look. The pattern is geometrical and pictorial; with flowering wisteria branches, stylized pines, Chinese style clouds, fans and phoenix-like birds. It shows some weakened area from neck to shoulder lines and the lower part of the kimono. There is a seam at 21.5"/22" from the bottom hem. Looking at ...

Antique kasuri hanten jacket with sashiko stitches, 48 1/4" wide x 37 1/2" long.

This is an old Japanese silk obi. The style of the obi is called Chu-ya (day and night) obi – it’s made with two different fabrics sewn together. As the name suggests, two sides of the obi can be worn for totally different social functions. Both sides are absolutely beautiful on this obi.

The front side of this obi is subtle but quite tasteful. As for the black side, it is ‘Nyogen’ silk fabric from China; there are two characters, ‘nyo gen’ and their distinctive red logo (p...

This is a Japanese silk obi with a painting of men transporting lumber down the river. It is a scene that became obsolete as new technologies, such as trains, trucks and the creations of dams, developed. It is hand painted on silk with an artist’s signature and seal. We will bring more photos once the obi is flattened from the Nagoya style obi – currently, this obi is being worked on (hand sewn) by a professional.

Gorgeous antique kimono in the best condition. Lined with red gauze silk, it is completely reversible. The color of the black silk has changed over the years to a very dark brownish gray evenly. The colors of the design are very classic Japanese colors as Imari red (brownish red) and same earth tone in every other colors. There is one tiny hole (1/16" in size) right by a family crest, Mon. There is no color loss inside.

The term "Jyuban" came from the Portuguese word "gibao" (sleeveless garment). Jyuban is an undergarment worn under a kimono. You might be surprised to discover a piece of art, sometimes breathtaking bold in Juban. The condition of this old kimono is new. 100 percent pure silk. The measurements are 49" wide x 56-1/2" long.

It is a beautiful kimono in excellent condition. The black dye changed it's color to a current black which has a tint of brown. The silk is in a super good condition. The design is the favorite design of Kakiemon, the hoo bird and the leaves of the paulownia tree. The hoo bird has been associated with the Empress in Japan and her crest is an elegantly designed paulownia leaves.

This is an old man's silk Jyuban, an undergarment worn under a kimono, a luxury from the past. Strange, but you will find quite a work of art in the undergarment, much more than finding them on the outer kimonos. The carps are tie-dyed. Other than a faint stain right above the right side carp, it is in excellent condition. This stain wil not show up unless you look at it under the sun. The measurements are 52" in width and 53" in length. No lining.

Quality, Japanese lacquered wood kimono hanger. The hanger comes in the box with the old tissue paper inside. The writings on the box and the tissues (old with lots of storage stains - appeared new in the photos) indicate that it was "Made by Wajima", pre WWII. Wajima lacquer has been know for the best for it's superior quality. Very light (kiri wood inside?). Taisho to early Showa, 1920 to 1940. The condition is new (stayed in the box without being used). 25" long, 5/8" in diameter. ...

Japanese Kyoto Nishijin silk obi roll. This is a soft, medium thick, high quality silk fabric with genuine high grade gold leaves woven in. Stamped Kyoto Nishijin and nishiki with a couple seals for passing quality checks. Some stains at the end (very left edge) - not likely to affect. The base silk is cream color. 28 1/2" x 163".

Japanese baby's first formal kimono (miyagi), hawk on a pine tree hand painted in sumi-e (black ink) on silk, 32 1/2" W x 41" L.

This type of kimono is used during a newborn's first visit to the shrine. The ritual takes place about one month after his birth. Traditionally, the kimono was sent by the mother's side of the family to their daughter's new family, bearing the family crest of the husband's side. The newborn will be held in the arms of his mother-in-law and accomp...

An elegant ceramic obidome (obi clasp) with silver mount (guaranteed) formed as a leaf, glazed in mottled tones of red and blue, with a hand woven silk cord dyed in the same colors; all contained in original box from Matsumasa, Kyoto. Taisho/early Showa period.

The actual colors are gentle; red in blue/purple tint with a soft blue color. What did not show in the photos are the exact matching colors of the ceramic leaf and silk cord. It is a work of art from the Kyoto area; ceramic possib...

Top quality Kyoto Nishijin obi in maru obi style (design on both sides). We think this obi is from 1930-1940. No damages. Dimensions: 12 5/8" x 13'5"(161.5")

This is the most formal and elaborate style of obi called maru obi. The designs run through the entire obi from one end to the other on both sides. The dimensions: 12" wide x 12'5"(161") long. The cost of making one maru obi is substantially higher than a typical obi. The design here include chrysanthemums, wild flowering plants of autumn, fans and Genji wheel that implies the presence of graceful aristocrats from the Heian period(794-1185). The chrysanthemums by the water (old bridges here)...

Wearable art: Beautiful Shibori hand tie-dye work on silk haori (short kimono jacket). It is lined with a white silk with some basting stitches still intact. This haori will make a gorgeous jacket.

This is a beautiful kimono, hand Tie-dyed Japanese silk haori jacket in excellent condition. Japanese haori makes a great jacket. There are numerous storage stains (faint brown spots) on the white lining which did not affect the front at all.

Japanese Wedding Gown with embroideries, some stains. There is no trace of being worn on this Uchikake wedding gown. The outer fabric is white (creamy, light tan) silk and the liner is also high quality silk which makes it very light in weight. There are some color migrations from the embroidery yarns. You can look at it as a bokashi (gradual shading), with the color change right around the embroideries. The one on the left shoulder is visible and the coloring spreads to the front shoulder...

This kasuri kimono appears to be hand woven (to my eyes) and another Tsukurioki kimono in new condition. Tsukuri-oki means that it has been left unused after it was made into a kimono. This was caused by the drastic changes in their clothing especially after the World War II. In modern days, Kasuri kimonos have been associated with old women from the country-side, definitely for the non-fashionable group. These kasuri kimono are very durable, many were made to be worn as casual work clothes....

These kasuri kimono are very durable, and made to be worn as casual work clothes. I hope you can see the tiny round patches used to strengthen the areas where the sleeves meet the body. There are no company or designer's labels on these kimonos, but the quality of the workmanship are superior. The fabric is still very starchy and stiff. It will take some washings before it becomes soft. The more washing it goes through, the more the fabric will become softer and show the true colors of a be...

A formal Japanese maru obi with auspicious designs; containers for an old shell matching game, hand drums, fans, ho-o Chinese phoenix bird and kiri leaves. It is made with a thick silk brocade and thick padding. The gold color (genuine gold) is particularly beautiful in this obi. Excellent condition. This obi will make a beautiful addition for your home. Dimensions: 12 5/8” wide x 13’6” (162”) long

Beautiful Japanese Wedding gown. The measurements are 52" wide and 73 1/1" long. The colors are red, blue, purple, green and orange. The condition is excellent, as new as it can get. Please e-mail or call me for questions.

This gown has an exceptionally beautiful red. It is satin but feels almost like velvet. The condition is new, probably never been used. The bottom padding was still covered with a white cloth when this Uchikake was purchased (Enlargement 5). The measurements are 53" wide and 73" long.

Beautiful black Japanese wedding (Uchikake) in new condition, basting stiches still intact along the sleeves and other areas. The design is from the Heian Era (794-1192AD), imperial cart in pine trees. The gown is particularly well made and look better than our old photos. The colors are beautiful (no color loss), vivid yet elegant.

Taiko bashi (arched bridge) in very beautiful red! The condition of this Japanese wedding gown is very new. The measurements are: 51"w x 71"long

Please see my other Japanese wedding gowns.

Hand painted (dyed) long silk roll, long enough to make one full kimono; 14 1/4" wide x 44' long. The designs do not repeat, some are to be matched for the width. The base color is a soft creamy color with a slight color change on the edge. 100 percent pure silk. The detail is as it follows; 46" cream, 13" small design, 74" cream, 6 1/2" small design, 37" cream, 16" medium size design, 94" cream, 25" half design on one side, 58" cream, 21" large half design, 42" small cream, 8" small desi...

The beautiful green color did not show up well in the pictures. I think it is much prettier. Both sides of the sleeves are soiled at the bottom area (see Enlargement6). The picture is lightened to show the area of stains. Actual stains do not show up as much in the large picture blending in with designs in the darker green (see Enlargement 1).
Dimensions are:

This gown had been used as a rental. The condition is not new like most of my other gowns are. Some large stains are shown in the lower collar area (see Enlargement 9) and several small stains in the other areas - shown in the other enlargements. It is a whitish creamy color. Dimensions are: 51"w x 71"h with 41" sleeve length
Great decorating material.

Japanese silk wedding gown with beautiful embroideries of flowers, cranes and the imperial gosho-carts. This is an older and top quality gown that is probably dated early to mid Showa period, 1930-1950; it belongs somewhere between antique gowns and newer gowns. The quality is different from later Showa period when most of the gowns were made for rental. The fabric of this gown has silver pine branches woven throughout, with some large branches embroidered (?) This textured background gave the ...

Beautiful Japanese maru obi! Obis can be used as a belt to hold a kimono together. The classic design from the Heian Period (794-1192AD) of ox carts, fans and court music instruments run throughout the front and back. The gold is woven into the fabric almost entirely and sparkles when it is hit by light – it has much gentler tones in the dark. The earth tone green and rusty brown are particularly pretty on this obi. With a thick padding inside, this obi will make a great decoration pi...

Japanese kasuri kimono made in high skilled workmanship throughout, excellent condition. 49 1/2" wide x 53” long, shoulder length 24 1/2"

This is a beautiful vintage kasuri kimono in new condition. The color is dark Japanese indigo blue (aizome) and white. The fabric is thicker and loosely woven, all hand sewn. Dimensions: 47 3/4" (sleeve to sleeve) x 52" long

This is a very elegant and high quality Japanese silk obi from Nishijin, Kyoto. The dimensions of the obi are 12 1/4" wide and 160 3/4" (13'4 3/4") long. About two-thirds of the front (104" long) is woven with gold. There are 2 full designs of an ox-cart with pine branches in the center area – only one of them is shown in the first photo – the other one is on the other side.

Silk textiles, particularly when they are woven with gold, can look very different in depending on the envi...