This listing is for a vintage Japanese kimono from the Fuller Collection (see details of that below).

This kimono is a gorgeous teal green color that we fear is not well-captured in the photos. The design is a wavering grid with wide lines that seem to have been done with a wax resist, like batik - note the crackle line. The silk has a slight crepe texture.

About a dozen of the large grid openings feature a hand-painted design of florals, boats, a pagoda scene, or a countryside landscape. Look closely to see that each design is different, individually painted by the artist.

While the outer garment is in very good condition (except for a slight blemish at the waist - see photo), the red silk lining at the neckline has not survived the years entact. The silk is thin and should be reinforced before wearing so that it does not spread.

If this is purchased for display, we do offer simple display rods - click here to browse the selection.

The Fuller Collection – originally over 2000 kimono – was the passion and pride of Richard Fuller of Chicago, IL and Wabasha,MN. Richard served as a US Marine in post-war Japan, and there began his love of and appreciation for vintage Japanese kimono – especially wedding kimono. Richard saw that the mastery and artisanship of traditional Japanese textile techniques was waning – threatening to die out altogether – which sparked his mission to promote this industry and preserve what he could. Click here to read one of his interviews.

Together with his wife Janith, Richard invested in thousands of kimono and obi, opening Wind Whisper West, a kimono gallery in Wabasha, MN in 2003. Most of the collection was sold there, but several hundred pieces remain. Richard passed in 2020, and Janith has consigned the remainder of the collection to Kyoto Kimono to offer through our website. We are honored and proud to be stewarding the Fuller Collection as each piece finds its new home and continues to bring wonder and beauty to admirers around the world.