A striking and feminine vintage Japanese full-length kimono robe featuring an elegant Zha-ran graduated dye design. Delicate plum blossoms - Japan's enduring symbol of perseverance and hope, blooming even through a late-winter snowfall - grace this lovely piece.
Era: 1970s–1980s
Origin: Japan
Color: Dusty Pink / Salmon Pink, White
Length: 56¼ in. (full length)
Material: Premium wool-polyester blend
Pattern: Plum blossoms with flowing vines
Technique: Zha-ran graduated dyeing with shibori-style texturing
Maker: Kōtekizome
Measurements: Please see the final image for a complete measurement diagram.
Thousands of tiny white Zha-ran circles are scattered across the dyed fields, gently softening the deeper pink tones and creating the appearance of delicate winter snowfall. The result is a romantic, atmospheric composition with remarkable depth and movement.
Achieving such a smooth color gradient on a wool-polyester blend is a notable technical accomplishment. Synthetic fibers are far more difficult to dye evenly than natural fibers, making this seamless transition a testament to the advanced colorfast dye formulas for which Kōtekizome became well known during this period.
This robe is an unlined hitoe kimono with traditional partial shoulder lining that provides light reinforcement while maintaining a comfortable transitional-weight garment.
The premium wool-polyester blend reflects the innovation of late 20th-century Japanese textile production. Rather than relying on delicate hand-tied shibori, the fabric's dimensional texture and signature white circles were created through an advanced heat-setting process that permanently shapes the synthetic fibers. The result is a durable textile that captures the appearance of traditional shibori while offering greater resilience and easier care than silk.
Overall, the robe is in very good vintage condition with excellent structural integrity. The back shoulder lining (kata-ate) exhibits extensive shattering consistent with age. There is light surface soiling in a few areas that should respond well to professional cleaning, along with a small stain on the front collar panel (please see photos).
A small section of the inner collar seam was previously opened and has been neatly hand re-stitched, once again concealing the original Kōtekizome label and fiber-content tag as intended by traditional construction. Hand sewn. Quality Japanese kimonos are hand-sewn so they can be disassembled for cleaning and then carefully reassembled without damaging the fabric with permanent machine stitching.
A dramatic and authentic Japanese textile from the 1970s–1980s, this full-length kimono transitions effortlessly into contemporary wear as a statement robe, elegant duster, bohemian layering piece, striking wall display, or an exceptional addition to any vintage kimono or Japanese textile collection.
