K008 - Kinsha Silk Homongi Kimono

Antique Dark Pink Mon Kinsha Silk Homongi with Dyed and Embroidered Floral Roundels

Hōmongi (訪問着, lit. 'visiting wear') are women's formal kimonos with the same pattern placement as a tsukesage, but with patterns generally matching across the seams. They are always made of silk, and are considered more formal than the tsukesage.

Hōmongi are first roughly sewn up, and the design is sketched onto the fabric, before the garment is taken apart to be dyed again. The hōmongi's close relative, the tsukesage, has its patterns dyed on the bolt before sewing up. This method of production can usually distinguish the two, as the motifs on a hōmongi are likely to cross fluidly over seams in a way a tsukesage generally will not. However, the two can prove near-indistinguishable at times.

Hōmongi may be worn by both married and unmarried women; often friends of the bride will wear hōmongi to weddings (except relatives) and receptions. They may be worn to formal parties.

Kinsha silk takes on the qualities of chirimen as a fine and light silk crepe. Due to its smooth texture, this type of silk kimono will most often have painting or detailed dying in its design.