- A fabulous cotton kasuri ikat kimono. This type of kimono used to be an everyday style of kimono for work wear in rural areas, nowadays very collectable among kimono afficionados. It is hand dyed with indigo dye, producing a very dark blue backgound, with white and lighter blue pattern. It dates to around the 1950s
- Ikat is a textile with a pattern formed by dying the yarn prior to weaving the fabric. It is characterised by the 'blurry' edge to the pattern that this produces. Kasuri is a Japanese ikat textile. This kimono's textile is kon gasuri: blue kasuri with white resists on an indigo-blue ground.
- Lined only at the upper back
- Colour: Please be aware that different monitors display colour slightly differently. Therefore the colour in the photos and description is a guide only
Condition:
Excellent
Measurements approximately:
Sleeve end to sleeve end 119cm
Sleeve seam to sleeve seam 61cm
Sleeve depth 38cm
Length 145cm
To judge fit on you...
Check height: Women can choose kimono that are longer than their height, as any excess material is then traditionally folded over at the waist (see below)
Check width: A kimono with a width that is at least 16” (40cm) greater than your hip size will fit perfectly, although if the width of the kimono is not at least 10” (25cm) greater than your hip size, your legs may be visible as you walk, there’s nothing wrong with that of course, but it’s not the traditional way
Adjusting the Length the traditional way
Pull up your kimono until the bottom reaches the correct length, then tie it in place round your waist with a ribbon or a koshi himo (kimono tie). Fold the excess material down over the tie. This fold-over is called ohashiori and is always present on women's kimonos. Fasten an obi or wide belt or sash around the waist, over the top of the folded over fabric, which usually shows below
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wk918/05/14
Kasuri Ikat Kimono
Kimono require a sash to hold them closed. This is always bought separately. Men usually wear a kaku obi with their kimono or, casually at home, a soft heko obi
Sizing: Japanese clothing is usually of adjustable fit, being mostly wrap-over or tie-to-fit items, so most garments fit a range of sizes. Because of this (and only really knowing my own size anyway) I can't really advise anyone on the fit. Please judge fit from the measurements given. Check length given for the garment, then measure from base of back of your neck down to judge that length on you
Also measure from centre back of neck, along shoulder and down the arm to the wrist, then double that and compare it with the sleeve end measurement to judge sleeve length
Storage: Hang up your garment for a few hours prior to wearing, to remove fold creases. They should also be hung out to air 4 times per year, if not worn frequently
Some of my garments have white stitching (shitsuke) round the outside edges to keep the edges flat during long periods of storage, these stitches just get pulled out before wearing the garment
Cleaning: Be very cautious about washing kimonos. All cleaning is done entirely at your own risk, as is standard with all vintage garments and items. I would advise only dry cleaning