These are all vintage kimono - previously owned, often designed and custom-sewn for a Japanese woman who may never have worn it. Kimono were given as dowry items until the 1960's, but these timeless treasures were mostly stored away and sometimes forgotten about, since the modern Japanese woman had few occasions to wear them. When the owner passes away or no longer has room to store them, they go to auction and eventually find their way to this website and to appreciative new owners.