About the materials used in vintage kimonos

While we strive to provide the most accurate information possible regarding the vintage kimonos we handle, it is sometimes difficult to guarantee that all kimonos are 100% silk. We hope you understand the reasons for this, as outlined below.

1. Disappearance of quality labeling due to aging.

Many vintage kimonos do not have the clear quality labels that modern kimonos have. Pre-war and early Showa era kimonos, in particular, often lack detailed information about the materials used. Furthermore, over time, certificates and labels are often lost, making it difficult to identify the materials used.

2. Use of blends or different materials

Traditional kimonos, while primarily made of silk, sometimes incorporate other materials. For example, cotton or rayon may be used for lining or partial reinforcement, making them difficult to distinguish by appearance or touch alone. Furthermore, some kimonos from the Edo and Meiji periods may contain other fibers mixed with silk due to the spinning technology of the time.

3. Effects of dyeing and processing

Silk has been a material that has been subjected to various processing techniques since ancient times, but special dyeing and post-processing can alter its texture, making it difficult to distinguish from pure silk. Furthermore, some dyeing methods may involve the use of synthetic fibers, meaning that it cannot always be said to be 100% pure silk.

4. Limitations of scientific testing

While modern technology allows for the identification of materials by analyzing fibers, it is difficult and costly to have every vintage kimono appraised by a specialized institution. Therefore, we rely on our experience and knowledge to determine the materials, but we cannot guarantee 100% accuracy.

We appreciate your understanding.

At our store, we carefully check the materials and condition of each item before selling it in order to provide the most accurate information possible. However, due to the nature of vintage items, we cannot guarantee that they are 100% silk, so please understand this in advance.

If you have any questions about the materials, please feel free to contact us.