A gorgeous, antique meisen silk kimono in grey with pretty flowers pattern. The silk is shot with pinkish red, so changes colour slightly at different angles
Meisen silk is similar to soft, silk taffeta, with a slight hint of body to it, helping it hold its shape, although it is also very soft. It feels lovely. Meisen silk, generally crisp and supple, is one of the Japanese silks fabricated by weaving pre-dyed threads, utilizing the tie-and-resist ikat technique (ikat is an Indonesian term widely utilized to refer to this technique). In this process, the threads, silk or cotton, are first stretched on a frame. Selected design areas are tightly bound to prevent the dye from penetrating and the hanks of threads are immersed in the dye pots. The bound portions of the yarns resist the dye and when woven, as a result of the threads not being perfectly aligned, create shapes with charmingly uneven edges. Meisen silk was a particularly popular fabric for casual kimono from 1920 to 1950, in part because it was more affordable, and in part because the designs, frequently drawing on Western influences, seemed adventurous and innovative. Even today they retain a contemporary sensibility.
Meisen kimonos from the early 20th century tend to be a little shorter than later kimonos, though still very long.
Meisen kimonos are sought after by kimono collectors, as the supply of good condition ones gets smaller and smaller.
Please don't make the mistake of thinking that 100 years old means it has any weaknesses. Kimonos are so expensive that the Japanese take immense care of them, so they often stay in exquisite condition, like this one, which it has many, many more years of wear in it.
Traditionally hand tailored
Awase (fully lined) kimono
Colour: Please be aware that different monitors display colour slightly differently. Therefore the colour in the photos and description is a guide only

Condition:
Excellent

Measurements approximately:
Sleeve end to sleeve end 126cm
Sleeve seam to sleeve seam 59cm
Length 152cm
 
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.
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
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
 
 
 
 
 
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wk101/08/13