The word "kimono", which literally means a "thing to wear" (ki "wear" and mono "thing"), has come to denote these full-length robes. The standard plural of the word kimono in English is kimonos, but the unmarked Japanese plural kimono is also sometimes used. and secured by a sash called an obi, which is tied at the back. Kimono are T-shaped, straight-lined robes worn so that the hem falls to
the ankle, with attached collars and long, wide sleeves. Kimono are
wrapped around the body, always with the left side over the right
(except when dressing the dead for burial)(wiki)
From Marla Mallett's awesome website:
Elegant
Japanese kimono are one-of-a-kind works
of textile art that can either be displayed or worn.
A range of decorative approaches is shown in these kimonos: intricate
embroidery in satin stitch or metallic
couching, delicate shaded hand painting, applied gold foil, elaborate brocading, and intricate ikat or tie dye. Styles range from austere geometrics or subtle floral motifs to
bold, dramatic statements--from subtle elegance to festive
exuberance. To sum up, in our collections we have
focused on hand-decorated textile expressions, rather than the
ordinary machine-printed garments that dominate the market.
These kimono, uchikake, shiromuku, tomesode, furisode, hikizuri, haori, and obi date from the mid 1800s through the 1970s. All are in good condition, with no tears or damaged areas. Unlike new garments, however, lovely vintage kimonos may have tiny faint areas of minor discoloration -- a patina of age and use that is acceptable to most people who prefer beautiful early pieces. The overall condition is always reflected in the pricing. Although most of my kimono are pristine, if you demand perfect condition, you may be better advised to buy new or recent pieces and forgo antique and vintage kimono. I have chosen the kimono on these pages carefully, but no sale is final until you have inspected the pieces sent to you and decide that they please you also.
A NOTE ON SIZES: If you are interested in wearing vintage kimono, garments measuring 48" across the shoulders/arms fit sizes 4-6-8-10, and those measuring at least 50" across fit sizes 8-10-12-14. All are long, by western standards, as Japanese women pulled them up to the exact length required and held them in place with obi. Westerners often wear them open or with sashes or chain belts, and bloused. Haori--short jackets--were worn open. Uchikake-- wedding kimono--with their heavy padded hems, were also worn open, and trailing.
50" from end of sleeve to end of sleeve. Available for purchase here
From Marla Mallett's awesome website:
These kimono, uchikake, shiromuku, tomesode, furisode, hikizuri, haori, and obi date from the mid 1800s through the 1970s. All are in good condition, with no tears or damaged areas. Unlike new garments, however, lovely vintage kimonos may have tiny faint areas of minor discoloration -- a patina of age and use that is acceptable to most people who prefer beautiful early pieces. The overall condition is always reflected in the pricing. Although most of my kimono are pristine, if you demand perfect condition, you may be better advised to buy new or recent pieces and forgo antique and vintage kimono. I have chosen the kimono on these pages carefully, but no sale is final until you have inspected the pieces sent to you and decide that they please you also.
A NOTE ON SIZES: If you are interested in wearing vintage kimono, garments measuring 48" across the shoulders/arms fit sizes 4-6-8-10, and those measuring at least 50" across fit sizes 8-10-12-14. All are long, by western standards, as Japanese women pulled them up to the exact length required and held them in place with obi. Westerners often wear them open or with sashes or chain belts, and bloused. Haori--short jackets--were worn open. Uchikake-- wedding kimono--with their heavy padded hems, were also worn open, and trailing.
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