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
Eighty-one years ago today, the United States government made the decision to order the immediate relocation and internment of all persons of Japanese origin, citizen or non. The victims of this order were given nearly no notice and told they could bring only what they could carry. They couldn't keep properties owned or pack their … Continue reading Day of Remembrance–Executive Order 9066
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
Your Regular Flavor Text Is In The Corner Having An Existential Crisis. This Kimono Is Chaos On Black Silk. As I lay here on the floor staring at the ceiling, filling my cheeks with air and letting it out in short squeekie puffs as though to pretend that I am a giant chipmunk because being … Continue reading Antique Kurotomesode–Parinirvana Of Sakyamuni
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
Tonight We're Revisiting My Favorite Kimono While I Talk About The Actual Massive And Inconvenient Pain In The Ass Healing Is. As this year comes to a close, I'm sure we're all sitting around wondering how we did. Well, maybe some of us actually know. The state of the universe is, as always, chaos, and … Continue reading Taisho Kuromontsuki–Ume Dreams & Matsu Wishes
Cranes In Flight With Ancient Turtles Surfacing Under A Mighty Pine On Textured Black Silk. T'was the night before Christmas, all up in this bitch. And unsurprisingly, this bitch had an itch. With shochikubai, tsuru, and minogame; I pounced on this thing and screamed a mighty "GIMME." But the fuck, the shit, I was to … Continue reading Meiji Era Uchikake — Majesty With Minogame
Silk & Bones 