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Japanese Kimonos

Initially the primary fashion choice during Edo-period Japan, the beauty of kimonos has made these fashionable Japanese pieces beloved around the world since their creation. It is not unusual to see kimonos featured not just in traditional wear for Japanese ceremonies, but in everyday and special occasion fashion worldwide.

Kimonos are characterized by straight seams and wide sleeves that form a T-shape and are tied closed by a belt called obi. Traditional kimono robes are always worn with the left side over the right and fall right at the ankle. Unlike modern day clothes, kimono makers did not concern themselves with the wearer’s body at all, with the straight cuts hiding the human figure underneath.

During feudal Japan, kimonos were the primary means for Japanese displays of wealth. The samurai and wealthy of Japan flaunted their status with rich silk kimonos embroidered with flowers, trees, birds, and fish.


Quick Facts

  • During the Edo period, the Japanese experienced a heightened awareness of color as kimonos with different colors and patterns were often layered in colder weather. The pairing of patterns and colors showed the wearer’s sophistication and status, and even gave clues as to the personality of the wearer
  • As evident by the famous Japanese poem "Whose sleeves" or "Tagasode," the focus on beauty and character of Japanese women by 16th century was less on her physical appearance but rather in the garments and accessories she possessed
  • Today, kimonos are rarely worn by Japanese men and women. They are usually only worn during special occasions. These occasions might be during weddings, tea ceremonies, or other formal engagements

Recommended Items at Auction

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Japanese kimono in black and blush ivory colour featuring birds (H:87cm)
Feb 20, 1:00 PM AEDT
Japanese kimono in black and blush ivory colour featuring birds (H:87cm)
by Lawsons
Est: AUD60- AUD80
AUD506 Bids
Japanese multicolour kimono with olive green ground (H:175cm)
Feb 20, 1:00 PM AEDT
Japanese multicolour kimono with olive green ground (H:175cm)
by Lawsons
Est: AUD80- AUD120
AUD353 Bids
A JAPANESE EMBOIDERED SILK KIMONO Stand not included
Mar 04, 6:00 PM AEDT
A JAPANESE EMBOIDERED SILK KIMONO Stand not included
by Leonard Joel
Est: AUD200- AUD400
AUD501 Bid
Tomosode Silk Kimono
Feb 22, 3:00 PM WET
Tomosode Silk Kimono
by Marques dos Santos
Est: €300- €400
€2000 Bids
Tomosode Silk Kimono
Feb 22, 3:00 PM WET
Tomosode Silk Kimono
by Marques dos Santos
Est: €300- €400
€2000 Bids
Alec Monopoly (b. 1986), Three kimonos from the film "The Girl from Nagasaki," 2013
Feb 25, 12:00 PM PST
Alec Monopoly (b. 1986), Three kimonos from the film "The Girl from Nagasaki," 2013
by John Moran Auctioneers
Est: $1,000- $1,500
$5000 Bids
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Japanese Samurai’s silk Kimono, Japan, Edo period, circa 1700
Mar 09, 10:00 AM EST
Japanese Samurai’s silk Kimono, Japan, Edo period, circa 1700
by Eternity Gallery
Est: $2,000- $4,000
$3000 Bids
3 Japanese Kuro-Montsuki Haori, Showa Period
Feb 26, 11:00 AM EST
3 Japanese Kuro-Montsuki Haori, Showa Period
by Material Culture
Est: $150- $250
$750 Bids
3 Japanese Montsuki Haori, Showa Period
Feb 26, 11:00 AM EST
3 Japanese Montsuki Haori, Showa Period
by Material Culture
Est: $100- $200
$500 Bids
Antique Japanese Kimono
Feb 22, 11:00 AM EST
Antique Japanese Kimono
by Gulfcoast Coin and Jewelry
Est: $2,000- $3,000
$2000 Bids
Japanese Embroidered Silk Wedding Kimono
Feb 28, 10:00 AM EST
Japanese Embroidered Silk Wedding Kimono
by Devin Moisan Auctioneers, Inc.
Est: $200- $400
$1000 Bids
A JAPANESE SILK KIMONO WITH GOLD AND SILVER NEEDLEWORK L.180CM
Feb 20, 10:00 AM AEDT
A JAPANESE SILK KIMONO WITH GOLD AND SILVER NEEDLEWORK L.180CM
by Leonard Joel
Est: AUD300- AUD400
AUD2000 Bids
THREE JAPANESE SILK KIMONOS Stands not included
Mar 04, 6:00 PM AEDT
THREE JAPANESE SILK KIMONOS Stands not included
by Leonard Joel
Est: AUD500- AUD800
AUD500 Bids

Sellers Who Sell Japanese Kimonos


Leonard Joel

Leonard Joel

Lawsons

Lawsons

Marques dos Santos

Marques dos Santos

Material Culture

Material Culture