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
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
A Vibrant Phoenix In Flight Over Blooming Paulownia On Black Silk. Not that I needed another one of these, but you look that birb right the fuck in the face and tell me you don't literally want to eat his candy ass. Which means that I was contractually obligated to buy this just to clean … Continue reading Meiji Uchikake–Mr. Steal Your Girl
A Flock Of Cranes In Flight Over Full Pine Trees And Wild Waves On Smooth Black Silk. Oh look. I have another one of these all of a sudden. You're shocked. I'm shocked. We're all just really fucking shocked about this, aren't we? I don't have a problem. It's not like I'm over here snorting … Continue reading Antique Uchikake–A Whole Flock Of Tsuru
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
Majestic Mt. Fuji Overlooking A Misty And Watery Pine Grove On Smooth Black Silk. I definitely needed another one of these, right? Even if it didn't need anything in terms of restoration or repair, really? It's not that I collect things like furisode and uchikake (in short loose terms, wedding kimono) exclusively. It's that I … Continue reading Meiji Era Uchikake–Fujiyama Ukiyo-e Style
Decadently Woven Black Silk Adorned With Gilded Cranes In Flight Over Treasure Ships. In three days, I will have had this kimono for an entire year. And as a delightful songwriter once crooned, when it comes to this piece, the waiting was the hardest part. Nevermind that I had to sit here and scream at … Continue reading Meiji Takarabune Uchikake–Restoration Complete
Late Summer Flowers In Full Bloom On Deep Plum Silk Gauze. As I type this, it is a balmy 1°F/-17°C here in my neck of the American Midwest, and boy does it make me feel the need to break out my summer attire! Haha! I'm freezing, everything is terrible. Hell is cold feet. I love … Continue reading Antique Kimono–Summer Breeze
Cranes In Flight Over Wild Waves Of Festive Blossoms And Decorative Boxes On Blue Silk. Welcome back to another showcase because my wrist is still fucky and I gotta tell you I am so goddamn bored. Oh my god. I'm not allowed to do anything, and I'm about as far from ambidextrous as you can … Continue reading Antique Irotomesode–Ocean Blue
Majestic Cranes In Flight With Royal Carts And Candy Sweet Flowers On Soft Green Silk. Tonight on bad titles, if they can thaw Mariah Carey's ass out to have her howl about how she wants this sweet ass for Christmas starting on November the 1st, then I can make a really stupid seasonal candy pun … Continue reading Antique Furisode–Candy Cranes
Silk & Bones 