Our Philosophy

“ikasu” means “rivive” or “give second life” in Japanese. We upcycle antique and vintage kimono and obi to give them second life as interior items.

Kimono is often called “wearable art”. Every kimono is a one-of-a-kind piece of art, hand-woven by hands with traditional Japanese technics, hand-pained by kimono artists, decorated with golden threads embroidery and beaten gold. Every piece is unique and represents Japanese traditions carefully kept for over thousand years.

ikasu collaborates with traditional kimono shops to do a research to hand-pick kimono and obi that aren’t used as clothes anymore to get them back to piece of art. We use undamaged parts of kimono and work with licensed kimono specialists to introduce them together with their amazing story - craft and dying technics, history, pattern symbols explanation, etc.

ikasu is proud to be the leading creator of kimono canvases and its' promoter around the world.

Please enjoy a touch of authentic Japanese culture in your interior!

3 facts about kimono we use

  • One-of-a-kind

    Each kimono is a unique piece of art created by a kimono artist using traditional weaving technics, hand-painting, etc. It is not a mass-production item!

  • Antique

    Most of kimono and obi in Japanese households are unique antique and vintage pieces, lots of them are aged over 100 years-old and more.

  • Meaningful

    Colors and patterns on kimono are not random, they are symbolic and have meaning. We have patterns, colors, technics explanations on each item page.

3 facts about ikasu

  • Keeping Traditions

    We partner with traditional kimono artists, shops and warehouses to keep the history of kimono, and use modern materials to preserve kimono traditions in a form of a long-lasting interior decor item.

  • Story-telling

    We introduce our kimono canvases together with a story behind them - you’ll know everything about history, weaving/dying technics, pattern symbols etc. on your canvas.

  • Blending Cultures

    Kimono artist pairs with experienced designer to deliver authentic items that perfectly fit modern western interiors. We especially recommend our canvases for minimalist Scandinavian interiors.

Media

ikasu was featured in more than 100 media in Japan, including popular in Japan startup TV shows, radio shows and fashion magazines.

Exhibitions

2023/1

Shibuya PARCO

Exhibition at PARCO - one of the biggest department stores in Tokyo, a place where new culture, Japanese culture, Tokyo culture, is kept and created.

2023/1

Japanese Registered Tangible Cultural Property "Nikiya"

Exhibition at Nikiya - a house-museum and restaurant built in Meiji era (late 19th cent.), it's mission is keeping Japanese traditions alive.

2022/5

Art Gallery QUADRO

Our exhibition at QUADRO, an international art gallery in heart of Tokyo that represents artists from around the world.