This is a vintage silk crepe (medium weight) kimono features a rinzu pattern of small arrows, appearing shiny on a royal blue ground. The inside upper two-thirds of the lining appears replaced with red cotton fabric except for old lightweight silk (dyed ‘benibana’ red) lining the sleeves. There is a light green crepe silk lining the bottom one-third.

Condition: excellent outside (several areas of small pulled threads); inner lining has 2-3 tiny age spots; there are white basting stitches around the outer sleeves. Size: 46” across the top; 53” top to bottom. Sleeve: W-12” x L-22”. U.S. women’s size: x-small, small, or medium. Such superior textile artwork would also add a lovely touch to home décor.

Textile arts have played an important role in traditional Japan for more than one thousand years. Master artisans created these one-of-a kind treasures that were highly valued in their day and are now highly collectible. For centuries, Japanese style of garments evolved to the modern day kimono. Japanese rulers dictated strict dress codes for many centuries. An individual’s rank, class, gender, age and marital status determined the kimono’s material type, the colors, and patterns that someone could wear.

Age: Showa era (1926-1989).
Condition: Excellent outside (several areas of small pulled threads); inner lining has 2-3 tiny age spots; there are white basting stitches around the outer sleeves.
Size: 46” across the top; 53” top to bottom. Sleeve: W-12” x L-22”.