Early Showa Era Rinzu Komon | A Kimono Passed Down from My Grandmother, Surviving the War

Hamanaka Akiko
Oct 23
1 min read

A purple kimono with a small pattern of silk crepe from the early Showa period, inherited from my grandmother — This purple brocade kimono from the early Showa period was inherited from my grandmother. The pale komon pattern stands out against the noble purple.

When I opened my grandmother's chest of drawers, my eyes fell on a deep purple rinzu komon (fine-patterned silk kimono). This color has long been considered prestigious, and the moment I held it in my hands, I felt as if I could sense my grandmother's feelings and the elegant lifestyle of the early Showa era.

The kimono was originally kept by my grandmother for my uncle's bride, but due to the effects of the war, he never married, and it remained quietly in the chest of drawers for many years.

The luster of the fabric and the pale komon pattern still shine brightly, unfading through the ages. When I hold it in my hands, I can sense the artisan's careful work and my grandmother's feelings, and I feel a small sense of happiness every time I put it on.

Looking at the intricate pattern up close, you can see that the craftsmanship of the early Showa period is still alive and well. I'll be enjoying wearing this purple kimono from autumn through to winter this year.