This listing is for a karinui - an untailored kimono with each panel basted together in the shape of the kimono so that the alignment of the patterning can be seen before sewing. The basting is typically done after the buyer has purchased the bolt of kimono fabric, so perhaps this was made as an example in a showroom display. We do not see these often!
This karinui was meant to be a young girl's kimono and features a white silk background in a nested diamond jacquard. Along the hem and sleeves are red clouds filled with tiny kanoko (fawn spot) shibori. The featured element is a called a hanaguruma - an imperial cart festooned with flowers - in bright colors and with lots of gold leaf accents.
Karinui can be used for any textile project - no need to actually make a kimono! The basting stitches can easily be removed to separate the panels, which yields a variety of different-length and width pieces that can be incorporated into gorgeous textile art.
Although the exact yardage length will vary, each disassembled karinui offers approximately 12 yards of silk in nine different pieces:
- 2 sleeve panels, roughly 1yd x 14in each
- 2 bodice panels - roughly 4yd x 14in each - the "main" panels, each with a 4" cut into one side where the collar would be attached
- 2 gusset panels - roughly 1yd x 7.5in each - cut in half lengthwise and would be sewn at the lower front of each bodice panel
- 1 collar panel - roughly 2yd x 7.5in - typically cut in half lengthwise
See the final image of this listing for an outline of the kimono pattern. The bodice pieces have been turned up at the hem to create a partial lower lining.
Please note that some of the basting stitches might not be fully intact, so the karinui may need seam reinforcement before being displayed.
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