Kimono Haute Couture in Kyoto - Isshin Kobo Since 1858

Kimono Haute Couture - Hand-drawing Kyoyuzen

Kimono Haute Couture in Kyoto

Isshin Kobo, Hand-drawing Kyoyuzen Since 1858

Experience to visit authentic Kimono atelier in Kyoto, and custom order hand-drawring Kimono arts with you

About Us

Isshin Kobo, founded in Kyoto in 1858, is a hand-painted kimono workshop renowned for its signature technique, “Fusaisome,” or “Wind Color Dyeing.” This unique variation of the traditional bokashi (gradation dyeing) method embodies the flow and essence of wind. Remarkably, Fusaisome holds the only registered trademark within bokashi’s 1,200-year history, elevating each kimono with an unparalleled sense of movement and elegance.

At Isshin Kobo, the entire process—from design and dyeing to finishing—is performed in-house. Unlike the standard Kyoyuzen or kata yuzen styles, Isshin Kobo employs techniques like freehand sketching and wet brushwork, infusing each piece with fresh creativity while honoring Kyoto’s long-standing traditions. The atelier blends traditional craftsmanship with an innovative spirit, breathing new life into each kimono and offering a timeless yet original aesthetic that continues to captivate admirers of Japanese artistry worldwide.

History of Kyoyusen

Kyoyuzen is a traditional Japanese dyeing technique that symbolizes Kyoto's rich kimono culture, dating back 400 years to the Edo period. This intricate art form began with Miyazaki Yuzen-sai, a celebrated fan painter whose elegant designs inspired what is now known as “Yuzen” dyeing. Kyoyuzen is renowned for its vibrant colors and detailed patterns that capture the beauty of Japan’s seasons and natural landscapes. Most Kyoyuzen pieces are crafted using a hand-painted method, where artisans carefully paint each design, giving each kimono a distinctive, personal touch.

Adding to its luxurious appeal, many Kyoyuzen kimonos are decorated with gold and silver accents, enhancing their sophistication—especially in formal wear. The production process is labor-intensive, involving careful steps from initial sketching to coloring, steaming, and washing, resulting in a high-quality, beautiful finish. Kyoyuzen kimonos embody the craftsmanship and cultural heritage of Kyoto, preserving Japan’s traditional beauty in each unique piece.

Hand-drawing techniques

At Isshin Kobo, traditional edge-gluing methods used in standard Yuzen dyeing are set aside in favor of original techniques known as Kachin Gaki and wet brushwork. In these methods, artisans draw delicate lines directly on the fabric with ink, creating intricate outlines without the typical white borders seen in conventional Yuzen. This approach allows for a more natural flow of color and a refined, subtle expression in each piece.

The most challenging form of hand-drawn Yuzen, is reserved for crafting the highest-quality kimonos in traditional Japanese craftsmanship. Unlike typical Yuzen, which requires three artisans to handle the sketching, edge gluing, and color application separately, this technique requires a single artisan to master all aspects of the process. Colors are applied using a single brushstroke technique, adding depth through natural gradients. Within the Kyoto Yuzen Group, only one in 30 artisans specializes in this technique, highlighting the rare skill needed to keep this sensitive, intricate art alive.

White color gradation techniques

Our white gradation technique, a registered trademark, uses hand-painted Yuzen with a unique technique inspired by the theme of “wind.” This method captures the movement and essence of air, imparting an unparalleled texture and beauty to each kimono.

Creating white gradations is particularly challenging, demanding precise control over water, dye, and brush pressure. Artisans must carefully blend boundaries and fine-tune shades for seamless transitions, making this delicate technique a testament to their skill and experience.

Water wet coloring technique

The Nuregaki technique in Kyoyuzen involves blending adjacent colors while the paint remains wet, creating elegant and soft gradients. This method achieves seamless color boundaries, resulting in a refined and delicate finish. Precise control of water and pigment concentration is essential, producing the soft hues unique to Kyoyuzen. The natural blending effect adds a dreamlike quality, ideal for floral and landscape patterns, making each kimono a distinctive work of art shaped by the artisan’s skill.

Direct scketching techniques

The Kachin drawing technique is a cherished method in Yuzen dyeing, where patterns are directly painted onto fabric, revealing the artisan's unique style and skill. Its precise lines and subtle gradients add depth, producing a natural three-dimensional effect. With minimal color bleed, each detail appears crisp and clear, particularly suited for delicate or complex designs. Mastery of Kachin requires years of experience, resulting in one-of-a-kind pieces rich in warmth, artistry, and enduring traditional beauty.

Hand-drawing multicolor gradations

The unique Fusaisome technique by Isshin Kobo, inspired by the theme of "wind," captures the flow and essence of air, bringing a distinct texture and beauty to kimonos. This trademarked method involves intricate, multi-stage gradation, often referred to as “65-layers, 180-color blending.” Achieving such a natural, unified effect across numerous color layers demands exceptional skill, as increasing stages make it challenging to maintain seamless harmony throughout the design.

Kimono Haute Couture

A custom-ordered Kyoyuzen kimono is a unique creation, designed entirely to reflect the wearer’s personality, preferences, and intended occasions. Every element—pattern, color, and placement—can be customized to embody personal meaning, whether it’s for a memorable event or a symbol of family heritage, capturing the client’s vision with precision.

Crafted by skilled artisans, each Kyoyuzen kimono is brought to life with intricate hand-painted details and refined color blending, which requires exceptional skill and patience. This dedication transforms the kimono into a true work of art, with each piece showcasing Japanese craftsmanship at its finest. Custom Kyoyuzen kimono not only uphold traditional techniques but also preserve these skills for future generations, embodying the timeless essence of Japanese heritage.

As a one-of-a-kind garment, a custom Kyoyuzen kimono offers a fit and feel that ready-made items can’t match. Worn on special occasions and often passed down, it becomes a cherished heirloom and a symbol of cultural pride, treasured for a lifetime.

Find your best colors

The process begins with a detailed consultation where clients meet with designers and artisans to discuss the kimono’s purpose, design ideas, and budget. During this meeting, the team carefully listens to the client’s preferences, helping refine pattern themes and color schemes that reflect personal taste. Tailored suggestions are offered based on the occasion and ideal color palette, resulting in a beautifully customized design that embodies both elegance and individuality.

Select your design to draw by artists

Based on the initial consultation, the designer creates a preliminary sketch, often drawn on paper, to visualize the overall balance and colors. This design draft allows the client to review the layout, ensuring every detail aligns with their vision. Adjustments are made at this stage if needed, allowing the design to be refined to perfection before moving forward.

Haute Couture Kimono only for you

After the dyeing is complete, the client reviews the kimono for any final adjustments. It is then carefully sewn, with attention to pattern placement and overall balance to ensure a beautiful finish. Once all steps are completed, the custom-made Kyoyuzen kimono is delivered—a unique piece that combines artisan skill and the client’s vision, perfect for life’s special events and milestones, embodying elegance and exceptional quality.

Drawing and coloring process

The dyeing process begins by transferring the outline of the design directly onto the fabric, ensuring precise positioning to highlight the pattern's beauty. Skilled artisans then hand-paint each color according to the client’s preferences, carefully blending shades and creating gradients to add depth and dimension. Every hue is applied with meticulous attention, achieving a finish that perfectly matches the client’s desired design and style.

Kyoyuzen Kimono Designs

We creates a variety of custom Kyoyuzen items beyond traditional kimonos, including stoles, fans, bags, and ties. These items can be crafted in hands-on workshops at the studio, allowing clients to work alongside artisans to dye their own unique pieces. Each item becomes a truly original creation, bringing personal expression to life.

Fourth-generation artisan Yohei Kato, selected by LEXUS as a representative craftsman of Kyoto, also designs items like wall decorations and parasols. Using Isshin Kobo’s signature Fusaisome technique, these pieces embody the essence of “wind” and incorporate traditional motifs inspired by Japan’s seasons and natural beauty, as well as contemporary designs tailored to individual tastes.

Isshin Kobo seamlessly blends traditional Kyoyuzen craftsmanship with a modern lifestyle, offering clients custom items that bring the timeless beauty of Japanese artistry into their everyday lives, from wearable pieces to home decor.

Traditional design

Modern design

Products

Rediscover Kimono haute couture: Tailored design pieces crafted to meet your personal style.

Kimono

Obi

Scalf

Unbrella

Fan

Bag

Tie

Wall Decoration

Lamp

Visiting our atelier to meet kimono artists

During a visit to the Kyoyuzen kimono atelier, you’ll experience the artistry of traditional kimono craftsmanship up close. Watch master kimono artists as they skillfully create intricate designs, preserving the heritage of Kyoto’s Yuzen dyeing techniques. You’ll also have the opportunity to view an array of stunning, hand-dyed Kyoyuzen pieces showcasing this celebrated craft.

One highlight is the fitting experience, where guests can try on a kimono in a traditional karitsuke (preliminary fitting). Karitsuke, a process dating back to the Edo period, is essential in kimono making as it ensures precise fit and pattern alignment, tailored to each wearer. Capture this unique moment with a photoshoot that allows you to embody the elegance of a custom-fit kimono.

For those inspired to own a piece of Kyoyuzen, consultations are available to discuss custom orders, bringing your vision to life in a personalized work of wearable art.

Meet the 4th generation of Isshin Kobo

Kimono Artist

Yohei Kato

Yohei Kato is the fourth-generation artisan at Isshin Kobo and a master of Kyoto’s traditional hand-painted kimonos. Isshin Kobo boasts an illustrious history, with its work featured in prominent events like the Kohaku Uta Gassen, preserved in cultural museums, showcased in dramas, and honored with consecutive awards at Kyoto Yuzen exhibitions.

Biography:

2007: Won the Story King En Award and prize money in the Shukan Shonen Jump story competition
2013: Traditional Craft Exhibition, selected for exhibition in Aoyama, Tokyo
2015: Living Kyoto Award, Kyoto Hand-Painted Yuzen Exhibition
2016: LEXUS New Takumi Project 2016, selected as a representative of Kyoto for the “Takumi” project
2016: Worn by Takarazuka Revue star in New Year's card for “Kageki” magazine
2019: Costume production for the 2019 Takarazuka Star Photo Collection and postcards, worn by former top star of the Hanagumi, Asumi Rio.
2023: 2023: Worn by an active Takarazuka star in the January issue of “Kageki” magazine
2025: To be featured exclusively as a kimono artist in the upcoming World Expo.

With a background as a manga artist, Kato integrates this artistic vision into his kimono creations, designing for top entertainers, including Takarazuka stars and Mako Hattori. Known for blending traditional techniques with modern aesthetics, his work is celebrated in Japan and internationally.

Atelier visit program and custom orders

See all hand-drawing Kimono collections

At Isshin Kobo, witness master artisans crafting exquisite Kyoyuzen kimonos and view a collection of hand-dyed pieces made in this atelier. Explore the artistry behind each creation and discuss options for designing your own custom Kyoyuzen kimono, a truly unique and tailored work of art.

Experience traditional kimono fitting

Choose your favorite color kimono at Isshin Kobo and enjoy a traditional karikitsuke fitting, where the kimono is tailored to fit beautifully. Capture the experience by taking your own photos, preserving the elegance and beauty of the moment in a custom-fitted Kyoyuzen kimono for you.

Meet Kimono Kyoyuzen artists

Visit out atelier to witness traditional kimono coloring techniques up close. Observe skilled artisans as they hand-dye exquisite Kyoyuzen kimonos, bringing patterns to life with meticulous brushwork and vibrant colors. This rare experience offers an authentic glimpse into the artistry and heritage of Kyoto’s renowned kimono craftsmanship.

Order made your design and products

Enjoy a personalized consultation to create your custom-made Kyoyuzen product. Select from a range of design and color patterns to perfectly match your vision. Skilled artisans will guide you through options, ensuring each detail reflects your personal style in a truly one-of-a-kind piece.

Our haute couture / custom made products

The price may vary depending on the design and processing. Please feel free to discuss it with us when you visit our atelier.

Kimono design patterns