A black, yuzen, silk kimono, with rare design of gosho ningyo (imperial dolls). This doll is one of noble descent. The name means 'palace doll', a reference to the Imperial Palace in Kyoto during the Edo era. In most examples the figure's clothing is limited to a strict minimum. Gosho ningyo are a uniquely Japanese form; chubby, almost naked little boys with large heads, round bodies and brilliant white skin. They are considered a classic art form in Japan
A garment such as this is a labour of love created by highly skilled traditional craftsmanship
A yuzen kimono; The fabric is painted with a rice paste mask that leaves white areas when the main body colour is printed onto the fabric, then the paste is removed and the design hand painted onto the white areas. Gold lacquer and gold embroidery detailing
Awase (lined) kimono. It has a double lining (Hiyoku-jitate), to give the impression of layers. The extra part, going round the neckband and the lower half of the kimono, can be removed if wished
Made in Japan. Hand tailored
May have shitsuke-ito stitching around the edge; shitsuke-ito is loose, temporary stitching that the Japanese put in to keep edges neat during storage, it just gets pulled out before wearing. These are often a sign that the garment has never been used
**If shown with a sash or accessories, they are not included; for display purposes only, to let you see it closed, however, all kimono require an obi or some sort of sash to hold them closed; these are always bought separately. Think of it like a skirt and blouse, you can't wear either on its own, you buy them separately and mix and match

Condition:
Excellent - There are some marks on the lining - see last photo - These marks may clean off but I haven't tried, they don't show when the kimono is worn or hung for display
 
To judge fit on you...
Check height: Women can choose kimono that are longer than their height, as any excess material is then traditionally folded over at the waist (see below)
Check width: A kimono with a width that is at least 16” (40cm) greater than your hip size will fit perfectly, although if the width of the kimono is not at least 10” (25cm) greater than your hip size, your legs may be visible as you walk, there’s nothing wrong with that of course, but it’s not the traditional way
Sleeve length: 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
Adjusting the Length the traditional way
Pull up your kimono until the bottom reaches the correct length, then tie it in place round your waist with a ribbon or a koshi himo (kimono tie). Fold the excess material down over the tie. This fold-over is called ohashiori and is always present on women's kimonos. Fasten an obi or wide belt or sash around the waist, over the top of the folded over fabric, which usually shows below

Measurements approximately:
Sleeve end to sleeve end 133 cm
Sleeve seam to sleeve seam 65 cm
Sleeve depth 48.5 cm
Length 160 cm
 
 
 
 
 
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wk60 - /var/ex/eB