This is a really stunning, truly vintage, quality jacket. 

I found this jacket somewhat difficult to photograph. The threads are all gently sparkling and the flash bounces off them. I don't think the photos do the jacket justice and I hope you can see how gorgeous it is. 

The silk on this jacket is high quality, chirimen kinsha silk. This is a high end, fairly light-weight, silk used for special occasion garments and characterised by having a subtle crinkle texture like crepe. The silk is deep black, lustrous with a very subtle crinkle texture. It is fairly soft and nice to touch.

The pattern shows fabulous peacock feathers woven in metallic silver and gold with shiny, terracotta red and a little dark green threads The 'eyes' of the feathers are decorated with  It is truly lovely!

The pattern is done in a technique called nuitori omeshi which was most popular in the 1950s/60s. This method gives the look of embroidery but it is woven. The metallic threads catch the light and give sparkle to the pattern. 

The coloured threads are called urushi which means 'lacquered'. They are shiny, as if they have been varnished, giving a slight sparkle and a lovely effect which I don't think shows up well on the photos. 

The design is asymmetrical and crosses the central seam uninterrupted giving a picture effect. This is called 'eba' and is considered a higher class of pattern than an overall repeated design. 

There is a single family crest (mon, which comes from the samurai traditions) on the centre back of the shoulders. This is a sign of formality for a garment. The mon is typical and shows a small, white ivy leaf.

The lining in the upper part of the jacket and sleeves is a fine, glossy, pale ivory silk with a woven flower pattern. The lining has then been painted with a cloud and haze pattern made with splattered paint spots. This was quite a common pattern in this era. However the colour has changed with age. I think the cloud pattern was probably originally gold and silver but it is now darkened to brown. 

The haori is hand-made and hand-stitched in the traditional way. 

The tying cords (himo) are present which is a bonus as they are often missing. These ones are are intricately woven in warm white graduating to pales blue and with silver thread edge detailing and tasseled ends. I will send the buyer information on how to tie the himo correctly.

The garment is really stunning and gives a unique effect. 

It is a lovely item to touch and to wear and brings something of traditional Japanese culture into everyday use. This haori would make an excellent, unique and gorgeous evening jacket or a display item.

AGE & CONDITION : This haori probably dates from the mid Showa Period (1926-1989) around the 1950s. The pink lining and himo suggest this date.It is sometimes difficult to be accurate on dating kimono as they are traditional garments made in the same way for many years. 

The haori's condition is vintage excellent to the exterior.  This means it is in overall great shape with no faults to note. However the lining is not perfect. The cloud pattern, which is made of spattered paint, was probably originally gold but now looks brown. Some yellow staining is present around the patterning in the lining of the back body. This would not be seen on wearing.  It is in overall fabulous, wearable condition for its age but please do not expect it to be  like new.

SIZE: This haori is a fairly average size for this kind of kimono. It will fit a range of sizes, up to a maximum size of UK 12 (US 14), it would also be fine on someone smaller as it is supposed to be large and flowing. Cuff to cuff width is 127cm/50".

Overall length is 74cm/29". 

The width across the back (side seam to side seam) is 61cm/24”. It weighs about 470g. 

HAORI are short kimono jackets worn over full length kimonos. They are not designed to close in front but can have two tying cords called Himo that are knotted across the chest ( included with this garment). The sleeves are worn shorter than other kimonos. Traditionally they were only worn by men but in the early 19th century, it became fashionable for women to wear them. They make excellent and unusual evening jackets or wall displays, the fabric is often used to make cushions or home décor items. This haori’s could also be used for display.

CLEANING: Vintage silk items should not be washed. They can usually be dry cleaned. Old stains are not usually removable and some finishes like gold paint may be diminished by dry cleaning.

If you need any more information or pictures just send me a message. 

All information is to the best of my knowledge. Please bear in mind, that colours do not always show absolutely accurately on photos and on monitors although they should be close to reality.

My items are mostly vintage and are not returnable unless grossly mis-described, so please check the details and measurements before bidding/buying. Please be aware that vintage clothing does not usually 'look like new' even when it is in excellent condition. Some slight general signs of ageing and use should be expected. If these are conspicuous, they will be mentioned in the description.

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