Kiku Blogs
Yuzen The reason kimono are works of art

Yuzen The reason kimono are works of art

|Susan Smythe
Yuzen is the art of painting on a kimono canvas.
The Spirit of Mottainai

The Spirit of Mottainai

|Susu Smythe
The Japanese word "mottainai" expresses awe and gratitude as well as admonishes wastefulness.  Refashioning vintage clothes is within the spirit of mottainai
Juni-hitoe 12 layers of trailing robes

Juni-hitoe 12 layers of trailing robes

|Susu Smythe
The juni-hitoe is a ceremonial outfit worn by women of the Japanese imperial court on very special occasions, consisting of many, many layers of robes.  It is an example of...
What is the story behind the iconic kimono sleeves?

What is the story behind the iconic kimono sleeves?

|Susu Smythe
The kosode (meaning small sleeves) was the predecessor of today's kimono.  It was much more practical with narrow sash, shorter length and smaller sleeves.
WHAT DOES KIKU MEAN

WHAT DOES KIKU MEAN

|Susu Smythe
“Kiku” means chrysanthemum in Japanese, a flower that has a rich and important history in Japan. Many of the vintage silks that I sell have symbols of kiku woven, stenciled,...
MEISEN SILK: the intersection of Japanese and Western cultures

MEISEN SILK: the intersection of Japanese and Western cultures

|Susu Smythe
Meisen silk and the kimono made from it between 1910 and 1950 illustrate the intersection and interconnection  of Japanese culture and Western culture, the influence of Japanese aesthetics on Western...
Hedy Lamarr, Mother of WiFi

Hedy Lamarr, Mother of WiFi

|Susu Smythe
Hedy Lamarr, the famous actress was also an inventor.  In the hopes of contributing to the war efforts in the 1940's, she co-patented an idea for a radio controlled mechanism...
Yuzen The reason kimono are works of art

Yuzen The reason kimono are works of art

|Susan Smythe
Yuzen is the art of painting on a kimono canvas.

More to read...
Why aren't sewing machines used to make Kimono?

Why aren't sewing machines used to make Kimono?

|Susu Smythe
Kimono are hand sewn and not machine sewn because hand sewn garments are easier to deconstruct.  Washing a kimono involves taking it apart, sewing it back into the original bolt...