“A vintage soul knows that something old… is GOLD!” -crafto. That’s a FACT folks!!! And THIS MARVELOUS “gold” masterpiece assembled by Carolyn Kinder titled “Deco Kimono II” is no exception!! It is a large piece bearing the Kinder-Harris Art label which indicates that it was done before Kinder-Harris was sold to JC Penny Company in 1992… likely created in the 80’s. It is beautifully composed of a gorgeous gold embossed kimono embellished with textural swirls and scrolls impressed into a rectangular black background matted in a lovely creamy off-white geometrically layered matte professionally framed within a stunning gold anodized aluminum frame. It is pencil signed by Tim Vance and numbered 135/300. Unfortunately, we were not successful in finding any information on the artist Tim Vance but Carolyn Kinder obviously loved his work and used it beautifully in one of her assemblages. Historically, in Japan, a gold kimono symbolizes luxury, royalty, and prestige… Modern day designs in gold continue to convey elegance, wealth, and prosperity. The cultural significance of kimonos is multifaceted, representing deep-rooted traditions, artistic expression, and social identity in Japan. They are often worn for significant life events such as weddings or coming of age ceremonies. They typically bear beautiful patterns and colors conveying specific meanings related to the season, occasion, and the wearer’s social status. The intricate craftsmanship of kimonos also symbolizes honor for the skilled artisans who create them. With that said… Hat’s off to you, Tim Vance and Carolyn Kinder… this kimono example is phenomenal!! It will be gorgeous among your Art Deco Revival, Hollywood Regency, or Mid-Century Modern decor and at 53h x 39.5w it is a large scale piece so it would be beautiful on a wall along a stairway, in an entry, in the master bedroom above your bed, in your living or family room, or mounted on a large wall in your dining area. You simply can’t beat a beautiful piece of art… and folks… just BEHOLD THIS BEAUTY!!!
Kinder-Harris was a home furnishings & housewares wholesale distribution company founded by Carolyn Kinder in 1974. The company was known for decorative home accessories, art pieces, and was recognized in the home furnishings industry for its “trendless, timeless, well-traveled style.” Carolyn Kinder sold her interest in Kinder-Harris to JC Penny Company in 1992 and launched another company called Carolyn Kinder International where she designed coordinated collections of home accents and continued her philosophy which made her a legend in the home décor industry. In 1999 she received ART’s Lifetime Achievement Award and Withit’s WOW nomination for Outstanding Women in the Home Furnishings Industry. In 2000, she was the first woman to receive the ART Academy of Achievement Award and by 2002 she had become an international presence & Carolyn Kinder International became a multi-dimensional company. Carolyn passed away in 2023 but her son Robert Kinder, lead designer David Simpson, and her team of expert artisans carry on her vision. Today Carolyn Kinder International has an elite reputation for designing, producing, marketing, & licensing distinctive home furnishings for wholesalers, retailers, contemporary galleries, and high-end interior design firms. Her works are showcased in fine homes, theaters, galleries, public institutions, and private collections around the world.
Give yourself the eternal gift of exceptional visual pleasure with this extraordinary vintage “Deco Kimono” art piece by Carolyn Kinder. It’s Big, Bold, Beautifully GOLD, and it absolutely NEEDS to be YOURS!!!
