Kasuri Indigo Cotton Kimono

Vintage Japanese kimono, selected for its textile quality, craftsmanship, and wearability. Traditionally worn as robes, these garments lend themselves naturally to contemporary dressing.

 

• Era: Mid-late Shōwa period (c. 1950s–1980s)
• Textile: Medium weight cotton in kasuri double ikat, yarn dyed in natural indigo. The small, rhythmic polka dot pattern is called Arare-gasuri (霰絣), which translates directly to "Hailstone Ikat." The word arare refers to winter hail. The tiny white dots scattered closely across the deep indigo field are meant to evoke the poetic imagery of a sudden winter hailstorm falling from a dark sky. In the vocabulary of historic geometric kasuri, this tiny scale is achieved through highly disciplined thread-tying before the weaving process. Each individual dot is generated by single intersections of the pre-dyed warp and weft thr
• Silhouette & fit: This piece is a one size, unstructured cut with cropped sleeves and a relaxed drape. Designed as a one-size form that layers easily and moves across seasons and body types.
• Styling: Traditionally worn as robes, these pieces can be worn open over dresses or tailored separates for everyday ease, or styled as a statement layer for evening and occasion wear. They are equally suited to display as textile art when not in use.
• Condition: As vintage textiles, signs of age and wear are expected. Small stains, repairs, fading, loose stitching, or minor tears may be present and are part of each garment’s history.
• All orders come lovingly packed in recycled silk bags

• One size: fits S-M comfortably
  • Length 54"
  • Chest 43" round
  • Hip 43" round
  • Cross-back 23"
  • Sleeve length 15"

+/- a tolerance inherent to hand made clothing

• Fabric: 100% cotton
• Handfeel: Mid weight cotton with a lightly textured hand
• Care: Dry cleaning recommended
• Origin: Japan

 

 

Textile Story

 

This collection of vintage Japanese kimonos was personally sourced during a recent trip to Japan, through temple markets, antique fairs, and specialist vintage kimono dealers in Tokyo.

 

The selection represents a highly considered edit, informed by more than two decades spent living, studying, and working within Japanese and Indian textile cultures. Each piece was chosen not only for its wearability, but for the quality of its cloth, the integrity of its craftsmanship, and its distinctive character.

 

Japan occupies a special place within my own journey. At eighteen, I moved there to study, remaining for six formative years. It was during that time that I first wandered the temple flea markets and antique fairs that continue to animate Japan's collecting culture today. Among stalls piled high with old textiles, indigo workwear, baskets, ceramics, and forgotten garments, a lifelong fascination with heritage textiles quietly took root.

 

The kimonos gathered here reflect the extraordinary depth of Japan's textile traditions. The collection includes examples of kasuri (ikat) weaving, meisen silk, intricate shibori resist dyeing, woven patterning, hand-painted decoration, and richly coloured silk cloths. Many reveal unexpected details hidden from view - vibrant contrast linings, finely finished interiors, and small gestures of craftsmanship intended to be discovered through wear.

 

These garments are authentic vintage Japanese kimonos. We offer them not only as clothing, but as cultural objects and wearable textiles; preserving and extending the life of existing garments while celebrating the traditions, anonymous makers, and material histories from which they emerge.

 

No two pieces are alike. Each carries the marks of its own journey, embodying the quiet beauty of age, use, and careful stewardship across generations.