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

This kimono is a delightful mix of color and design which seems to call out "mid-century modern!" to us.  Abstract, floral, and traditional Japanese elements combine to create a collaged mosaic of patterning that is bound to attract attention and curiosity.

Called a juban in Japanese, this kimono would be layered under another kimono, with only the white overcollar visible to the public.  The length of a juban is shorter and the sleeves are meant to fit right inside the sleeves of the outer layer.  The elaborate patterning would not be seen by the public - but for the wearer, the hidden "surprise" patterning would put a bit more bounce in her step. 

The vintage palette seems to work very well even though there may be no "connecting" colors among the many patterns. Each sleeve is a single length of silk, but it's worth noting that the bodice fabric is from a single bolt, designed in chunky blocks to mimic jubans that were created with pieced remnants of several different kimono.  

We do offer hanging rods for displaying kimono - add one from the tab below if desired. If you'd like to wear this kimono with a traditional obi, browse our Obi For Sale page; or for a more casual look, add a Simple Sash at check out.

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.