Kimono My House

Yesterday was an action-packed day with deadlines, interviews and a talk by Jonathan Adler at the Design Exchange. But since my Covey G interview was in Leslieville, I did manage to squeeze in a stop at the Value Village at Queen and Logan. I found a nice Grindley Petalware bowl to add to the collection and an absolutely beautiful vintage, hand sewn kimono. I’ve always loved vintage Japanese prints and I remember always wanting a kimono when they used to sell them at Courage My Love (but they were too expensive). Unfortunately I couldn’t get a good picture of the robe (will try next week), but here’s a detail shot of the fabric. It’s a jacquard silk with a very lovely stylized cherry blossom print. It’s magical, isn’t it?

I also got to fall into a bit of a kimono research hole. I believe this type of kimono is called a Komon, because it has shorter sleeves and the same design throughout. In Japan, the Komon kimono is a common, casual style worn at small, informal gatherings, parties and tea ceremonies. Based on the design and the colour palette, my guess is that it is from the 1950s or 1960s.

It’s too small for me, but for $8 I could not resist. I can study and ogle it for a while and then pass it on to someone who can wear it with properly. In the meantime, back down the research rabbit hole with me.