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Golden Hexagons Uchikake Kimono
  • Due to weight, this would be sent by courier, e.g Hermes, rather than Royal Mail's Parcel Force, as Parcelforce's prices for this weight, roughly 5 kilos, are simply ridiculous and unaffordable
  • A sumptuous, Japanese uchikake kimono. White with little touches of silver and lots of glinting gold. A fantastic display item against a darkish wall. There are kiku (chrysanthemum) and kiri (paulownia) in the kikko (hexagons). Hexagons represent the turtle and tortoise, which represent longevity. Paulownia is said, in Japanese mythology, to have the only branches that a phoenix will land on. Chrysanthemum represents longevity and rejuvenation. When first introduced to Japan during the Nara period (710 – 793 AD), the Japanese Royal Family was fascinated by the flower. Eventually, the chrysanthemum became the Imperial Family emblem. The uchikake’s padded hem is covered in a temporary, protective layer of muslin, which keeps it clean prior to use
  • An uchikake kimono. Uchikake are wedding kimonos, worn open, rather like a spectacular and very heavy coat, over the bride’s wedding kakeshita kimono and obi. Uchikake are worn trailing on the ground, the bride stands with the hem laid out around her and the padded hem makes the bottom lie beautifully spread out. Uchikake are part of one of several outfits a Japanese bride might wear on her wedding day.
  • Uchikake are very heavy kimonos, so postage for them is quite expensive and that must be taken into account.
  • A new uchikake costs many thousands of pounds in Japan. Even hiring one for the day would cost the Japanese bride a huge amount. Silk This gorgeous uchikake is ideal for a bride and magnificent as a hanging display
  • Made in and bought from Japan


Condition:
Excellent.

Measurements:
Sleeve end to sleeve end 128cm
Sleeve seam to sleeve seam 62cm
Sleeve depth 108cm
Length 184cm
Weight approx. 5 kilo

Sizing:
Japanese clothing is usually of adjustable fit, being mostly wrap-over or tie-to-fit items, so most garments fit a range of sizes. Because of this (and only really knowing my own size anyway) I can't really advise anyone on the fit. Please judge fit from the measurements given.Measure from centre back of neck, along shoulder and down the arm to the wrist, then double that and compare it with the sleeve end measurement to judge sleeve length. If shown modelled, the woman in the photos is 125 cm from wrist to wrist.

Golden Hexagons Uchikake Kimono

SKU: wu12
£420.00 Regular Price
£298.20Sale Price
  • Sizing: Japanese clothing is usually of adjustable fit, being mostly wrap-over or tie-to-fit items, so most garments fit a range of sizes. Because of this (and only really knowing my own size anyway) I can't really advise anyone on the fit. Please judge fit from the measurements given. Check length given for the garment, then measure from base of back of your neck down to judge that length on you.

    Also measure from centre back of neck, along shoulder and down the arm to the wrist, then double that and compare it with the sleeve end measurement to judge sleeve length.

     

    Storage: Hang up your garment for a few hours prior to wearing, to remove fold creases. They should also be hung out to air 4 times per year, if not worn frequently. Hang your garment to air for a day or so immediately after purchase too, as it will have been stored for a while. The Japanese take great pains to store their traditional garments with the utmost care, which is why they stay in such exceptional condition. Some of my Japanese garments have white stitching (shitsuke) round the outside edges. The Japanese put these stitches in to keep the edges flat during long periods of storage, these stitches just get pulled out before wearing the garment.

    Cedarwood or lavender essential oil keeps moths away, but don't get it on the fabric, apply near it, on the box, wrapper, drawer etc. or on a tissue nearby.

     

    Cleaning: Be very cautious about washing kimonos. All cleaning is done entirely at your own risk, as is standard with all vintage garments and items. I would advise only dry cleaning for silk ones and for most synthetic ones, cotton ones may be dry cleanable too but select your dry cleaner carefully and take their advice before deciding if you want to try dry cleaning it. Some synthetic textile or cotton kimonos can be gently hand washed but the dyes can run even in some of those, so consider that before washing but, if you decide to wash, only cool hand wash very gently, do not rub, just gently squeeze the water through it a few times, do not wring, Use a detergent made for colours, not one for whites, as they contain bleaching agents. Do not machine wash, it can rip off the sleeves, but if you hand wash you can briefly machine spin it to remove excess water before hanging it to dry but do it on its own, separately from other items. All forms of cleaning are done at own risk. In Japan many kimonos, especially silk ones and any ceremonial ones, are cleaned by specialists in kimono cleaning, often by a special method called araihari, where they take it completely apart, clean the pieces, then sew it back together again.

     

    Uses: Kimono and haori can, of course, be worn but also make wonderful display items. If short of space for displaying one, consider a child’s kimono or a haori which are just as striking and beautiful as an adult kimono but require less space.

     

    Colour: Please be aware that different monitors display colour slightly differently. Therefore the colour in the photos and description is a guide only.

     

    Additional Information

    One must bear in mind that most are vintage items, which I strive to describe accurately and honestly. Most are in excellent vintage condition and therefore look virtually new but all are vintage, even the unused garments, which are or deadstock. A very, very few smell of mothballs or a touch of vintage mustiness but that is rare. This can be aired out and can sometimes be speeded up by tumble drying the dry garment at cool, but it should be put in a pillowcase in the dryer and is done only at your own risk. I have also had success at removing it by turning garments inside out and spraying very lightly with Oust, then letting them hang for a couple of days, but you do this at your own risk, as I can’t guarantee it won’t damage some fabrics. I found Oust to be much better at it than Febreze, even though Febreze is intended for some fabrics and Oust is an air freshener. Some synthetic textile and cotton kimonos can be hand washed but do this entirely at your own risk and only use a detergent for colours, as all other detergents contain bleaching agents to brighten whites. I usually mention any mothball or musty smell, if one does have it, but one must bear it in mind it is a possibility, even if not stated in the description, whenever buying vintage and antique textiles.

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