Anyone have any experience dating kimonos?

blubirdboutique

blubirdboutique

Registered Guest
Hello all. :)

I came across the pretty kimono awhile ago, but I don't really have any background in dating this kind of garment. I did a bit of researching and some of it seemed to match with the 1970's, but it honestly seems older than that to me. The fabric is a really nice, heavy, and silky... but I'm not entirely sure what it is. Possibly rayon? It's very cool to the touch. Some of the threading is a heavy metallic (the dragon for instance). There are snap closures inside. Lined in white.

Any thoughts would be fab. Thanks!

kim1.jpg
kim2.jpg
kim3.jpg
kim4.jpg
kim5.jpg
 
You know, this isn't my area of expertise, though I own several, however it sure looks older than 70s in your photos to me. Is this hand stitched? It appears it is as well in your photos, looking at sleeve edges. It also reads as silk to me. This has a matched tie and a kimono would not, as it would require an obie, a large long wrap sash to go about the waist and tie in a sort of loop bow in the back. This all makes me think it is a dressing robe in kimono style. Also, the motifs of the dragon, animals look stylized. I think I will see what others have to say.

Edited to add that I wouldn't call this a traditional kimono as it just isn't pieced as one is and is possibly not even Japanese.

Julia
 
Hello ladies, thanks for the responses. It is hand stitched, I can photograph it when I get the chance. Perhaps it is silk? I don't think the inside is, it seems like rayon. I'm not familiar with the type of silk if it is. It could very well be chinese, I didn't even consider this - which means I know even less about it. :) Hmm... don't you love a good mystery? ;)
 
That makes a lot of sense, actually, Linda. There was quite an interest in the orient during the early 1900s into the 1920s. The fabric really looks like a heavier silk charmeuse and I would agree that the lining would probably also be silk. The hand sewn workmanship also means it is older, in this type of garment. The shade of pink, I feel, also dates it as older. Linn, I would love to know where this would have been made.

Very interesting and thank you for posting it. Anyone else have other ideas?

Julia
 
All very interesting! Thanks for the input! I need to go out and photograph the fabric closer and the stitching. I'll do that tomorrow since the robe is at another location. It's very nice wearing... comfy and silky.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top