"ikasu" is contemporary kimono textile art that reconstructs antique and vintage kimono that have fulfilled their role, transforming them into art that continues to exist beyond time.
By translating the memories, craftsmanship, and stories embedded within kimono into contemporary spaces, the project creates works intended to be passed down to future generations.
The term "ikasu" (生かす) translates to "revive" or "give a second life" in Japanese.
The artist behind ikasu is Lena Okamoto, a textile artist who holds a Kimono Meister certification.
Lena Okamoto is a Tokyo-based textile artist who breathes new life into antique and vintage kimonos through contemporary textile art "ikasu".
Drawing on a background in Japanese cultural studies and a master’s degree from the University of Tokyo, as well as her certification as a Kimono Meister, her practice is grounded in deep cultural fluency, personal introspection, and a quiet reverence for impermanence.
Through the act of deconstructing and reimagining kimono textiles, Lena explores memory, time, and transformation, allowing inherited materials to speak anew within a contemporary context.
Late 19th Century kimono textile art "Plum Blossom ~Resilience~" by ikasu Japan
By Lena Okamoto, Kimono ikasu
Located in Setagaya City, JP
Certified Kimono Meister work / Certificate of Authenticity included. One-of-a-kind Japanese textile art made from vintage kimono fabrics. Sustainable artwork for modern interiors, ...
Gold Leaf
Vintage kimono textile art "Moonlight sakura ~Transience~ II" by ikasu Japan
By Kimono ikasu, Lena Okamoto
Located in Setagaya City, JP
Certified Kimono Meister work / Certificate of Authenticity included One-of-a-kind Japanese textile art made from vintage obi fabrics. Sustainable ...
Gold Leaf
Early 20th Century kimono textile art " Rising Sun ~ Renewal ~ " by ikasu Japan
By Kimono ikasu, Lena Okamoto
Located in Setagaya City, JP
Certified Kimono Meister work / Certificate of Authenticity included. One-of-a-kind Japanese textile art made from vintage kimono fabrics. Sustainable artwork for modern interiors, ...
Gold Leaf
Early 20th Century kimono textile art "Sakura ~Ephemerality~" by ikasu Japan
By Kimono ikasu, Lena Okamoto
Located in Setagaya City, JP
Certified Kimono Meister work / Certificate of Authenticity included. One-of-a-kind Japanese textile art made from vintage kimono fabrics. Sustainable artwork for modern interiors, ...
Silk, Wood, Fabric, Textile, String, Thread, Yarn
Mid 20th Century kimono textile art " Yin–Yang ~ Balance ~" by ikasu BrownJapan
By Lena Okamoto, Kimono ikasu
Located in Setagaya City, JP
Certified Kimono Meister work / Certificate of Authenticity included. One-of-a-kind Japanese textile art made from vintage kimono fabrics. Sustainable artwork for modern interiors, ...
Gold Leaf
Antique kimono textile art "Geometry ~Colors of Desert~ II" by ikasu Japan
By Lena Okamoto, Kimono ikasu
Located in Setagaya City, JP
Certified Kimono Meister work / Certificate of Authenticity included. One-of-a-kind Japanese textile art made from vintage kimono fabrics. Sustainable artwork for modern interiors, ...
Fabric, Textile, Silk, String, Thread, Yarn, Wood
Vintage Japanese Obi Textile, Woven Floral Design, Silk, Circa 1970s
Located in Pasadena, CA
Superb example of a c. 1970s Obi. The obi is beautifully woven with multi-colored florals reserves and interlaced cherry blossoms. The reserves are delineated by woven metallic silve...
Silk
Japanese Silk Obi/Table Runner/Wall decoration with Peony Motif
Located in Fukuoka, JP
apanese Silk Obi Table Runner with Peony Motif Japan, 20th century Dimensions: 440 × 32 cm This luxurious silk obi has been repurposed into an elegant table runner. Woven with shimm...
Silk
Japanese Silk Obi Kimono Belt /Table runner 1970s Gold Two Cranes
Located in Paris, FR
This is a Fukuro Obi made in Japan around 1970s. It is made with Gold Silk (Kinshi) and it is in good condition. Two cranes walking or flying together is the ultimate symbol of lo...
Silk
Vintage Japanese Obi Textile, Mid-20th C
Located in Istanbul, TR
An obi in very good condition that can be utilized as a table runner, wall hanging.
Silk
Japanese Two Panel Screen: Antique Kimono Fabric Mounted on Screen
Located in Hudson, NY
Japanese Two Panel Screen: Late Nineteenth Century Kimono Fabric Mounted on Early Twentieth Century Screen. In the Heian period (eighth century to the twelfth century), noblemen wou...
Silk, Wood, Paper
Framed Chinese Antique Embroidery Silk Collar Qing Dynasty
Located in Atlanta, GA
A silk collar from China dated to Qing Dynasty circa 19th century. Known as Yunjian (Cloud Shoulder or Cloud Collar), this multi-lobed textile piece was a detachable collar worn arou...
Silk, Beads
