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

Abused Antique Tansu Round Two: Electric Boogaloo

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

Restoration Ongoing: Antique Abused Tansu

Some time ago, I was hanging around on my usual haunts and then I came across this absolute fucking insanity: Pictured: You don't judge my waking hours, and I won't judge yours. Yeah. You see that? Some basic bitch out there decided to sHaBbY cHiC oMg UpCyClE with shitty blue-grey craft paint a legit antique … Continue reading Restoration Ongoing: Antique Abused Tansu

Meiji Era Uchikake–Fujiyama Ukiyo-e Style

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

Antique Kimono–Summer Breeze

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

Antique Repair–Haribako

The only reason you're hearing about this at all is because I have exceptionally poor impulse control. You know what I thought? I thought: I'lL bUy ThIs To FiX iT uP aNd ThEn SeLl It!!1 Because I got it for dirt cheap, and if I had stuck to that idea, it would never have made … Continue reading Antique Repair–Haribako

Antique Maru Obi–Summer Snow

Stylish Snow Crystal Rings With Regal Carts And Tranquil Watersides On Airy Cream Silk. Before I get started, I'd like to point out that one of my favorite parts of writing each entry is coming up with the little italicized flavor text up there. Because I always want to write it out in a somewhat … Continue reading Antique Maru Obi–Summer Snow

Antique Kougai Repair

One of my habits is to collect small damaged items, and then hoard them like the bizarre little goblin that I am until I feel knowledgeable enough to attept to repair them. This is one of those stories. -Law & Order BLNK BLNK- Over the last few days, after tackling an entire iko (kimono stand), … Continue reading Antique Kougai Repair

Antique Houmongi–Violet Roses

Deep Intense Purple Silk Adorned With Bright Roses And Peonies. I think probably the fastest way to get me to spend money on something is to have it be just the right shades of purple. I'm not sure I'd call this one a restoration in fairness, but I would call it a shitshow an adventure … Continue reading Antique Houmongi–Violet Roses

Antique Nagoya Obi–Regal Ryukin

A Calm Fancy Goldfish On Cream Shear Silk With Silver Lacquered Threads So I bought an obi stand. It was a little bit of a mess when it came to me, as the lacquer finish had become a bit milky. As it has been explained to me, that happens when it's been exposed to a … Continue reading Antique Nagoya Obi–Regal Ryukin