the beauty of vintage kimono silks

Yet for better or for worse we love things that bear the marks of grime, soot and weather, and we love the colours and the sheen that call to mind the past that made them.
Jun'inchiro Tanizaki

On another recent buying trip to my favourite vintage kimono silk supplier, I happened upon these beauties.

Delicate. Sheer. Old. Really old (1940s the girl said). Graphic patterns that still look modern. Intense colours. Gorgeous. I just had to have them and managed to get both for $10. I dreamt of the scarves I could make from them.

Alas, after hand washing them very delicately, I discovered some very small tears, where the old and very delicate fabric had just started to give. While a bit disappointed, I knew that was normal for a fabric of this age. 

I was not too worried. I knew I would still wear a scarf made from them, as the imperfections are evidence of the silk's history and age. Maybe someone else would buy a scarf with said imperfections?

I'll just make them up and see if there is someone else out there with a love and appreciation for vintage textiles...