Gold/Red Stripe Gleaming Satin Yarn-Dyed Kimono Silk from Japan By the Yard #564

This silk was woven in Japan originally for a raincoat to wear over a kimono. Now and then we run across these - they are sleek, elegant, smooth and shiny, and usually a bit wider than normal 14" kimono fabrics. This one is woven with yarn dyed color-blended stripes, the widest one decorated with what looks to be an image of a loosely swirled silk ribbon. Depending on the light, colors move, flash and change from rich golden ochres, red-oranges, olives and browns, often metallic-looking, brighter, lighter and darker.  This higher end silk is thin and light, exquisite, sleek, soft, shiny, aglow.  Not much drape and not much body. Yarn-dyed and a bit different side to side. One of the labels is a layout diagram for cutting a "stylish two-piece raincoat" from the whole bolt; see the last photo. 15" wide, which is considered wide in Japan.  Sold by the full yard and we'll cut yours in one piece from the never-used, pristine condition vintage bolt. 100% fine silk. Japan.  The bolt reads Kyoto/Nishijin. 

Nishijin Heritage Status: Formally designated as a traditional craft by the Japanese government, authentic Nishijin Textiles are strictly controlled by the local union and historically has supplied kimono fabric to the Imperial Court for over a thousand years. Their silks are always yarn dyed and very high thread count, as this one is.