Japanese depictions of North Americans in the 1860's. From The Public Domain Review.

A selection of Yokohama-e (literally “Yokohama pictures”), a type of ukiyo-e Japanese woodblock print which focused on depicting the foreigners who flooded through Yokohama during the 1860s and 70s, in particular North Americans. Prints from various artists are shown below including two of the most profilic in this Yokohama-e form, Utagawa Yoshitora and Utagawa Yoshikazu.

Although the Portuguese, Spanish, and Dutch had engaged in regular trade with Japan during the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, Japan had limited its trade and contact with the West from 1639 onwards due to the persistent attempts by Europeans to convert the population to Catholicism and the western countries’ habit of unfair trading practices. For the next two centuries, limited trade access was granted only to certain Dutch and Chinese ships with special charters.

The United States’ interest in regaining contact with Japan during the nineteenth century sprung from the annexation of California, which created an American port in the Pacific, enabling trade with the newly opened ports of China, and also creating the need for coaling stations en route. The Treaty of Kanagawa was signed in March 1854, leading to the opening of two Japanese ports, as well as the establishing of an American consul in Japan. Although Kanagawa was meant to become the port for foreign trade and residency, it was located along the Tōkaidō, the main east-west road which the Japanese government didn’t want foreigners to access. Instead, the small fishing village of Yokohama grew to become the base for foreign trade, opening in 1859. Through these Westerners who came to Yokohama, western fashion, photography, ice cream, rugby, and cricket were introduced to Japan.(Here)

Incredible, red, 1930's kimono made for the tourist trade. Silk, signed by the maker. Mint condition possibly never worn. Lightly pressed occasionally.

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)

 50" from end of sleeve to end of sleeve. Available for purchase here

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.