A Cotton Kimono: Softly Patterned from Wear

early twentieth century
shoulder to hem x sleeve tip to sleeve tip: 49 1/2" x 45", 125.5 cm x 114.25 cm

This is an every day cotton kimono, all hand stitched, and with a lovely striped cloth that has some sharp, horizontal blips passing through it. On the back, top is a recycled tenugui, a traditional cotton hand towel that is often decorated with charming images or, as they were often giveaways from businesses, there can be some kind of business information imprinted on it.

As is easy to see on the accompanying detail photos, the kimono shows some fading and some wear, not unusual for something of this age. As well, on the proper, left sleeve, back, there is a white mark.

This kimono is easy to wear (please check the dimensions above) or it can be readily harvested to be transformed into something else--a very Japanese idea.