Japan, circa 1885
by Kusakabe Kimbei

Though the kimono has its origins in 7th century Japan, the word kimono (which literally means “things to wear”) was actually invented in the Meiji era (1868-1912) to provide a name for westerners that described the Japanese style of dress at the time. This image, exquisitely hand colored on the albumen print, was taken by the Japanese photographer Kusakabe Kimbei and provides a glimpse of the kimono’s elegance, and importance, during the latter half of the 19th century.