Product Details

Era: 1920s–1930s
Material: Wool

During the 1920s–1930s, the Tonbi Mantle evolved in Japan as a uniquely adapted outerwear form.
This piece is based on the Scottish Inverness coat, reinterpreted to suit Japanese lifestyles and traditional kimono culture, becoming one of the representative outer garments of its time.

Popular from the late Taisho period to the early Showa era, Tonbi mantles were worn primarily by wealthy gentlemen, symbolizing refinement, modern sensibility, and admiration for Western culture.
When layered over kimono, they created a strikingly modern and sophisticated silhouette.

The design features a sleeveless mantle structure combined with a vest-like inner construction at the front, allowing the wearer to insert their arms and access pockets inside.
This reflects a strong emphasis on practicality as an outer coat, rather than purely decorative intent.

Crafted from high-quality black wool, the fabric texture, stitching, and the presence of the often-missing neck hook suggest that this was originally a luxury bespoke garment.
The collar is trimmed with real fur, a particularly sought-after specification among Tonbi mantles.

Despite being over 90 years old, this piece remains wearable today, a notable quality for an antique of this age.
Surviving examples are already scarce, and well-preserved specimens continue to decline year after year.

While deeply rooted in Taisho Modern aesthetics, the coat blends effortlessly with contemporary clothing.
Simply layering it over a T-shirt and trousers creates a distinctive and atmospheric look.
Approaching it as an extension of a poncho or cape allows even first-time wearers to incorporate it naturally into their wardrobe.

Highly appealing to antique and vintage clothing collectors, as well as those drawn to avant-garde and designer fashion, this is a special piece that balances rarity with refined visual impact.

Miss this opportunity, and another may not come again.

Additional Notes

• This item will be shipped compressed, which may result in wrinkles. Please understand in advance.

• Items worn by the model or used as props in photography are not included.

Size

• Length (from back of collar to hem): approx. 131 cm (51.6 in)

• Chest width (measured flat, underarm to underarm): approx. 58.5 cm (23.0 in)

Please allow for slight measurement discrepancies.

Condition

• Tears present in the lining

• Partial separation of stitching between lining and shell at the hem

• Areas of fabric wear and loss

• Fur collar also shows areas of wear

• Buttons have been replaced

This is a vintage item. Customers unfamiliar with or uncomfortable with the nature of antique garments are advised to refrain from purchasing.

No cleaning or deodorizing has been performed. Vintage items may retain characteristic odors. Any damage or odor return resulting from washing or wearing after purchase is not eligible for return or exchange. Please proceed only if you fully understand and accept these conditions.