My chaotic wanderings through creation and restoration.
Yes, I wrote "koimono" on purpose. This is not a kind of kimono, I'm just being very clever. Oh so very clever. But other than the super cleverness, the title is very accurate. I suspect internment shenanigans, and I bought this shit from the GoodWill auction site. If you were competing against me for this, … Continue reading What’s The Damage? Suspect Internment Shenanigans–GoodWill Koimono
Once again I'm over here with an item I bought exclusively because I just had to see the damn thing up close. I'm not saying I'm a glutton for punishment, but that's because I don't have to, you've been here before. Insane colors? Check. Weird ass tailoring? Check. Almost useless (for my purposes) seller photos? … Continue reading What’s The Damage? Suspect Internment Shenanigans–The Clown House
So here I am (rockyoulikeahurricaaaane) and you know it took every ounce of my being not to just use the word "discharge" in that title and then sit here and giggle like a goddamn nine year old about it. I mean, it's technically still correct. The primary issue with this piece is that the dye … Continue reading What’s The Damage? Antique Hikifurisode–Mysterious Bleaching
I quite frequently get emails asking for an opinion on what/how old a kimono is. Typically this is pretty straightforward, but a few times now, what they had was an antique kurotomesode that had seen some shit. For a quick explanation, a kurotomesode is the most formal dress for a married woman that is identifiable … Continue reading Post World War II Kimono Brutality: Kurotomesode Edition
I think that one of the most exciting things that keeps me engaged with buying kimono domestically is the fact that, as I say frequently, it really is just chaos and anarchy out here. Nobody knows how old anything is; new products are listed as ancient and legit antiques are often called 60's to 80's. … Continue reading Antique Irotomesode & Whimsical Adventures Of Shopping In USA; Photography Edition
Were starting off the new year strong, my friends. I've made three recent purchases and all three of them have found a way to make my brain do somersaults. So buckle up, chucklefucks. You know, sometimes my favorite thing to do is drive myself completely no-turning-back-insane by buying things just because they look weird to … Continue reading What’s The Damage? The Ballad Of Stankizuri
Every now and then I will buy a train wreck on purpose because I love the pain it illustrates very well the absolute spine-twangy fucking insanity that is buying antique kimono in the USA. The hell does that mean? It means you will feel things. Lots of things. And then you have pieces like this. … Continue reading What’s The Damage? Antique Tsuru Furisode: Suspected Internment Shenanigans
As I sit here on the floor, typing this entry out on my phone, rubbing my temples near violently to chase the pain away...I can't help but feel my heart being pulled in two opposite directions. Inside me are two deeply disturbed beavers wolves. One wishes with its whole being to be gentle and understanding. … Continue reading What’s The Damage? Antique Ro Nadeshiko Furisode
So. We left off last time with a delightful trip into respiratory distress lacquer thinner hell blue-grey shabby chic fuckery removing the shell from the upper portion of the tansu. For a quick recap, here: Cleared off the shit paint without managing to damage my teeth from all of the fucking clenching, restored the locks, … Continue reading Abused Antique Tansu Round Two: Electric Boogaloo
I want you to know, as I started writing this, that I have the pictures of the damage in a folder literally called "MessyAssHikiWhatever." And when I made the decision to buy this, I actually knew I was in for some of this mess. But this particular seller posts a set number of pictures with … Continue reading Restoration: Antique Hikifurisode
Silk & Bones 