- 2026.02.03
A rare kimono that even Japanese kimono enthusiasts rarely get to see
Hello, I’m Shinji from Warashibe-Chōja.JP. This time, I’ll introduce rare masterpieces that even Japanese kimono enthusiasts rarely get to see. Having worked with kimono for over 20 years, I’ve encountered many pieces inaccessible to the general public. I’ll showcase everything from items you’ve heard of to ones that will make you exclaim, “I had no idea such things existed!” 1.Antiques Generally, in the world of kimono, the distinction between antique and vintage pieces is often based on era, with pre-war items commonly referred to as antique kimono. Vintage kimono typically refers to pieces from the post-war Showa era, around the 1950s to 1970s. Many antique kimono are also known as Meisen, which enjoy enduring popularity.Primarily produced during the Meiji and Taisho eras, Meisen kimono were made using yarn spun from waste silk fibers and silk cocoons. This made them durable and affordable, making them highly valued among the general populace. 2.Kimonos with reduced production quantities Once produced on a large scale, only about 2,000 tan (approximately 1,320 square meters) are made annually now. Fabrics like jofu, a type of kimono woven only two or three times a year, and ushi-kubi tsumugi, which nearly ceased production at one point, have also […]