dounuki kimono, Japan, early Meiji (circa 1880), cm 141x123 This is a ‘donouki’, that is the inner kimono of the formal kimono set, traditionally worn in layers. As usual in the Edo and Meiji periods, this part of set – usually covered with another kimono – was made patchworking the most soft silks recycled from dismissed kimonos, and lightly padding it, to ensure a most comfortable wear. The results are often very stylish, as in this case where stripe pattern silk sits next to a ‘shou-chiku-baj’ pattern (pine tree and bamboo) dyed silk cloth. Another evidence of age is the orange-reddish and purple silks used for lining. In very good overall condition. Smart and visually compelling.