Crash Course: How I Date A Kimono, Part 1–Basic Introduction & At A Glance

We start with dinner and a movie, and we see how the night goes. You're welcome for that, I'm very funny. No really, though, this is actually a blog by popular demand. I wasn't going to address it right away, but as of right now my restoration station and pretty much everything else is shut … Continue reading Crash Course: How I Date A Kimono, Part 1–Basic Introduction & At A Glance →

What’s The Damage? Suspect Internment Shenanigans–GoodWill Koimono

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 →

What’s The Damage? Suspect Internment Shenanigans–The Clown House

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 →

What’s The Damage? Antique Hikifurisode–Mysterious Bleaching

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 →

Post World War II Kimono Brutality: Kurotomesode Edition

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 →

Antique Irotomesode & Whimsical Adventures Of Shopping In USA; Photography 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 →

Poll–Do You Want To Watch This Happen?

Aside from direct stain removal advice, the number one thing that ends up in my inbox is some variant of this question: Do you have/why don't you have/can you link your videos/YouTube? And my answer is typically because I don't have a YouTube, I don't want to appear in front of a camera, and because … Continue reading Poll–Do You Want To Watch This Happen? →

Restoration Complete: Great Grandma Akiye’s Furisode. “Great Big White Birds”

A Flock Of Doves In Flight Over Wild Waves And Majestic Gold And Silver Pine On Decadent Red Silk. On July the 24th, 2021 I posted this entry, after a bloody and violent bidding war for this kimono. For those joining this story here are the end, this is a piece that has been lost … Continue reading Restoration Complete: Great Grandma Akiye’s Furisode. “Great Big White Birds” →

Antique Kurotomesode–Parinirvana Of Sakyamuni

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 →

What’s The Damage? The Ballad Of Stankizuri

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 →