This is a Honba-Shiozawa kimono by Mr. Sohei Hayashi, a regular member of the Japan Kogei Association. Mr. Sohei Hayashi has been producing high-quality plant-dyed tsumugi and Echigo Jofu, an Important Intangible Cultural Property, in Echigo for many years. His Echigo Ancient Tsumugi, carefully hand-woven using hand-spun silk wadding yarn dyed with plants for both warp and weft, is a representative tsumugi known as a weaver of Echigo Jofu. The Hayashi Sohei workshop in Muika-machi, Uonuma-gun, Niigata Prefecture, which is also a production area for Shiozawa, continues to weave Echigo Jofu, Shiozawa Tsumugi, and Honba-Shiozawa for three generations. The weaving techniques of Shiozawa have stubbornly adhered to traditional production methods, and they remain unchanged even today. In 1976, it was designated as a Traditional Craft Product by the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, but the number of Shiozawa weaving workshops decreased after its peak in 1979, and by 2009, there were only 10 companies. Due to the difficulty of mass production, it is now a highly valuable item. The fabric has a unique texture created by weaving tightly twisted yarn into the weft, giving it a distinctive "shibo" (crepe-like) appearance. This kimono features a delicate cross-kasuri pattern on a beige background. This item comes with a certification tag. The subdued color is timeless and can be worn by people of all ages. We hope you will enjoy it with your favorite hanhaba obi or Nagoya obi (Japanese obi). ● Japanese Color: A beige color similar to flax color (amairo) ● Size: Wide collar, lined Length: 155cm Sleeve to sleeve length: 62cm Sleeve length: 46cm Front width: 23cm Back width: 28cm Seam allowance for sleeve to sleeve length: approx. 5cm on one side Ura-age (hem allowance): approx. 8cm Sleeve hem allowance: approx. 5cm *Please note that there may be slight variations due to amateur measurements. ● Material: Both the kimono fabric, lining, and hagari (underskirt) are silk. ● Condition: The stitching thread is attached to the collar, sleeves, okumi (front panel), and hem. Although it is an unused item, there is a slight stain on the hagari (photo 8). Please understand that this is a used item before purchasing. ● Other Notes: The colors may appear different depending on your monitor, so please be aware of this if you are particular about subtle colors. We also have many other kimonos, obis, Japanese accessories, antiques, and brand artists on display! Please take a look here: #kafekimono #SoheiHayashi #HonbaShiozawa