Favorites and Recommendations
Books
There are in-depth reviews of many of these books in the following posts:
o Basic kitsuke books
o Advanced kitsuke books
o English-language books on kimono
o Basic kitsuke books
o Advanced kitsuke books
o English-language books on kimono
Kimono:
Fashioning Culture by Liza Dalby
An excellent book covering kimono past and present. The author covers not only "familiar" - i.e., formal -
kimono, but also work clothes, folk clothing, and the modest beauty of stripes and ikat. Illustrations
throughout the book are well annotated and informative. A must for those who want to know more about
kimono.
Make Your Own
Japanese Clothes: Patterns and Ideas for Modern Wear
Good English-language resource for authentic patterns, care and storage of kimono, and background on Japanese sewing techniques.
Good English-language resource for authentic patterns, care and storage of kimono, and background on Japanese sewing techniques.
The
Book of Kimono: The Complete Guide to Style and Wear
Although this is a good addition to anyone's kimono library, the title is somewhat misleading - it is not a "complete guide". You can find much more detailed instructions on how to wear kimono in the following Japanese-language kitsuke books.
Although this is a good addition to anyone's kimono library, the title is somewhat misleading - it is not a "complete guide". You can find much more detailed instructions on how to wear kimono in the following Japanese-language kitsuke books.
JP: Ichida
Hiromi no Kimono Lesson (Hiromi Ichida's Kimono Lesson)
A beginning kitsuke book with directions for several types of kimono.
A beginning kitsuke book with directions for several types of kimono.
JP: My Life
Series: Kitsuke Lesson
Another beginner's book with a wide range of instructions. Very detailed and methodical.
Another beginner's book with a wide range of instructions. Very detailed and methodical.
JP: Lesson
Series: Kimono no Kitsuke - by SACHI
Beginner-intermediate book focusing mainly on women's kimono. More modern than traditional.
Beginner-intermediate book focusing mainly on women's kimono. More modern than traditional.
JP: Lesson
Series: Kitsuke to Obi Musubi
Beginner's book with directions for several types of kimono - directions are not as clear or as varied as the first two Japanese (JP) books listed.
Beginner's book with directions for several types of kimono - directions are not as clear or as varied as the first two Japanese (JP) books listed.
JP: Obi
Musubi: Best Select 50
A selection of 50 different obi musubi for all kimono types and occasions. Very nice addition to your kitsuke library.
A selection of 50 different obi musubi for all kimono types and occasions. Very nice addition to your kitsuke library.
JP: Furisode
kitsuke to obi musubi hyakka - dentou to shin kankaku no furisode obi musubi 103 shu
Translation: Furisode dressing and musubi types for reference - 103 kinds of furisode obi musubi traditions and new sensations
A veritable encyclopedia for all types of furisode obi musubi. Includes how to wear a furisode, bridal furisode, maiko (apprentice geisha) furisode, and Heian jyuunihitoe. Most of the obi musubi are complicated, but extremely beautiful.
Translation: Furisode dressing and musubi types for reference - 103 kinds of furisode obi musubi traditions and new sensations
A veritable encyclopedia for all types of furisode obi musubi. Includes how to wear a furisode, bridal furisode, maiko (apprentice geisha) furisode, and Heian jyuunihitoe. Most of the obi musubi are complicated, but extremely beautiful.
The Techniques
of Japanese Embroidery
Not about kimono, but one of the techniques used for them. An extra for kimono lovers who have fallen under the charm of Japanese embroidery and would like to learn more about it.
Not about kimono, but one of the techniques used for them. An extra for kimono lovers who have fallen under the charm of Japanese embroidery and would like to learn more about it.
Kimono Sellers
Kimono Flea Market Ichiroya
Beautiful photos, and very helpful, knowledgeable people from whom it's a pleasure to buy.
Beautiful photos, and very helpful, knowledgeable people from whom it's a pleasure to buy.
Ebay
seller ryujapan-99
Often has some rare and great finds among his items.
Often has some rare and great finds among his items.
Kimono Naomi
In addition to kimono, also sells several accessories. I particularly like the obijime, obiage and han eri.
In addition to kimono, also sells several accessories. I particularly like the obijime, obiage and han eri.
Yamatoku Vintage Kimono
Informative site; regular updates with new items.
Informative site; regular updates with new items.
Thank you to all the above sellers for the use of certain item images.
Galleries
Kimono Biyori
Has a lovely gallery of old photos and some nice kimono wallpapers for your computer, among other things.
Has a lovely gallery of old photos and some nice kimono wallpapers for your computer, among other things.
Japan Photo
Documentary: Kimonos
Also includes other photos taken in Japan.
Also includes other photos taken in Japan.
Haregino Marusho
Gorgeous furisode. In Japanese.
Gorgeous furisode. In Japanese.
Related Websites
Immortal Geisha and
Caged Birds
Both sites host a wealth of information and images, and are highly recommended. Immortal Geisha has videos, book reviews and beauty articles, among other things!
Both sites host a wealth of information and images, and are highly recommended. Immortal Geisha has videos, book reviews and beauty articles, among other things!