Antique Kimonos recreated into beautiful interior art pieces

Unique art made from antique kimonos

Using antique kimono fabrics that are filled with history and beauty, we give them new life making them into amazing art pieces which contain value that transcends time. This extremely rare and unique beauty is something that you can truly feel is special and not found elsewhere. We hope that you bring one into your own space, and are able to experience both the history of the fabric combined with the living beauty that is found within it.

Kimono are known as wearable art, with the beauty and subtle details of each piece being highly appreciated, with each one being unique and truly a piece of art. The creation of kimonos are a highly skilled and traditional process, with the weaving, dyeing, cutting, and sewing of each one being done by skilled artisans by hand, with them pouring their heart and soul into each one. 

Our ikasu art pieces, look to take antique kimono that have had their time in the spotlight as clothing and upcycle them, in turn making them into unique interior items! The art made retains the delicate work that skilled craftsmen put into them, and allows you to experience Japanese history and culture. By displaying these pieces of art in your room, you can transform it into something extra special and will leave a lasting impression on any house guests who look upon them.

The value of antique kimonos used as material for art

A unique and individual beauty 

Antique kimonos are all uniquely designed, with each kimono having varied patterns and history, which means that no two are the same. Each kimono is the result of the craftsmen’s creativity and prowess, making the beauty of each one unique. This unique design gives the owner a special feeling, while also showing off an amazing expression of individuality.

A historic value that is ageless

The kimono is a symbol of Japanese history and culture, and antique or vintage kimonos are special in that they express specific eras or fashions that were popular at the time. The special colouring, feel, or design that the antique kimonos have, make for an impacting impression when used as art in contemporary interiors. They are living pieces of art that are intertwined with history and time. They have literally been walked through various times and histories, giving each kimono its own unique story and background.

The fruits of the Artisans’ craftmanship

These items are the result of traditional methods done by hand, and highly advanced techniques. The weaving, dyeing, stitching, and so on are all done by hand, and all bring light to the amazing skills cultivated by the craftsmen involved. These skills and techniques aren’t learnt through studying a manual, but taught by their predecessors, and so are extremely hard to replicate faithfully today, and have become rare technical achievements that have been passed down through the generations.

A valuable scarce commodity

Today, these antique kimonos are extremely hard to find. Many of the techniques and knowledge of the materials used have been lost, making it nigh on impossible to replicate faithfully. As well as this antique and vintage kimonos that have been stored well are also extremely limited, making the value of these scarce fabrics become even higher. Because of this, each kimono truly has an immeasurable value.

High-quality natural materials

Antique kimonos use various high-quality natural materials, such as silk, linen, and cotton. In particular, silk is prized for being lustrous, soft to the touch, and durable, and is an extremely high-quality material. The silk thread was made by Japanese silkworms at the time and is thin and supple, but today, no silkworms remain in Japan, making it hard to reproduce threads of similar quality today.

The value that we at ikasu pour into each piece of art

A Unique design

The art is created by an artist who while having certification of being a Kimono Meister, also works as a creative director. The sections where each kimono is cut, the colouring and even the meaning of the pattern is taken into consideration as we make the art. We try our best to understand the story behind the kimono and the meaning of the patterns while we design each piece.

Aesthetic Sense

We choose the kimono fabric based on the condition of the fabric, the design’s uniqueness, the quality of the materials used, as well as the historical background that the kimono has. We look mainly for pieces that are in good condition, and that have designs and patterns that aren’t seen in other pieces, while also using high-quality natural materials such as silk.

Technical Finesse

The creator of the pieces use their years of knowledge to unstitch each kimono carefully, and then remake it into a new piece. Each fabric has its own unique characteristic, and the condition of each kimono is different, meaning that every time comes new challenges when making the art. As there is only one kimono of that make and design, mistakes can’t be made, and so extremely delicate work is needed to be done when making the art. Using special adhesives and tools for silk, the pieces are made together by a furniture craftsman.

Specialisation

Our artist is qualified as a Kimono Meister, and selects the kimonos. Another Kimono expert is also on the team. As we continuously gain specialist knowledge over the years, we create these amazing art pieces. Our team which contains this specialist Kimono Meisters have specialised knowledge and is trained in special techniques. As a kimono expert is also available, we are able to carefully select the best kimonos and work on them fully in-house. This way we can be sure of the quality of the item that you will receive.

Selection of Kimonos and Expending Time

The antique kimonos that we selected are done by travelling around Japan and discovering and selecting each one through vigorous selection. As well as this, we select from a variety of sources, from kimono shops, select auctions closed to the public, antique markets, and even through home visits. This selection is not just bringing together kimonos but making sure of all the things needed to make great art, from the condition of the kimono, the designs, the silk and natural materials used and so on.

Third Party Endorsements

From receiving the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Bureau of Industrial and Labor Affairs Director-General’s Prize to collaborating with various well-known Japanese businesses and exhibiting our work, we have been featured in over 100 different media.

Accomplishments

• May 2022: Held an event at the International Art Gallery QUADRO for exhibition and sales
• January 2023: Held an event at Japanese Registered Tangible Cultural Property Kaiseki Cuisine Restaurant Nikiya for exhibition and sale of art
• January 2023: Exhibition at Shibuya PARCO
• September- October 2023: Held events at Takashimaya Kyoto, Osaka, Nihonbashi, Shinjuku, and Yokohama to exhibit and sell work
• November 12-14th 2023: Held an event at the Tokyo American Club to exhibit and sell work
• February 2023: Honourable mention at the 5th All Japan Art Competition
• March 2024: Received the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Bureau of Industrial and Labor Affairs Director-General’s Prize at Japan Handmade of the Year 2024
• April 2024: Won the Mr. & Mrs. Abe Arts & Culture Prize
• May 2024: Exhibited and sold art at World Art Dubai, the largest art fair in the Middle East.
• June 2024: Exhibited and sold art at Tsutaya Daikanyama
• July 2024: Exhibited and sold art at ISETAN SALONE (Roppongi)