Early Taisho Japanese Wedding Kimono
Early Taisho Japanese wedding kimono.
During the Taisho period (1912-1926), the wedding kimono were not made with heavy padding as previous periods or later to current times, nor, in general, were they heavily embroidered. The early Taisho wedding kimono were made very light-weight with no padding and had a very thin attached lining. They were hand dyed using the yuzen technique (waxy material placed all over except where they wanted the dye. Then it would be dyed and washed off and the process repeated until all colors in the whole piece were finished). They may have some couching (threads sewn to fabric) or some light embroidery. They were all hand sewn.
This kimono is made of silk crepe and has a black background with beautiful fans with long streamers, pines, and carts. There is a whole multitude of colors and light embroidery and couching on the left side, which would show in front. The top 2/3's of the lining is red and the bottom 1/3 is the same material as on the outside. It measures 50" across by 62" long. There are 5 mon (family crest) which indicates a formal occasion.
The condition is good for it's age. The black has faded in spots, particularly along the seams and front left panel at the bottom. There is one small stain at the top front of the right sleeve.
Taisho period kimono are becoming increasing scarce and hard to find. This is a lovely kimono.
This product was added to our catalog on Sunday 08 October, 2006.