Silk hiki-furisode kimono with ombre background, cranes and winter motifs

Japanese hiki-furisode-style robe, of ombre dyed silk crepe with padded hem and long sleeves and lined with bright red silk. The robe has blank spaces for crests in the small circles either side of the front opening. The beautiful mauve ombre provides a backdrop for the delicate painted motifs depicting auspicious cranes along with pine trees, plum blossom and bamboo which together are known as the ‘three friends of winter’ indicating the season this would have been worn in. 

There are some very subtle touches of embroidery on the red areas on the head of each crane and adding detail to the centres of the plum blossoms. This kimono was possibly worn for a wedding as cranes are symbols of fidelity and longevity as they mate for life. 

• Category: Clothing
• Date: 1851-1900
• Material: Silk
• Place: East Asia
• Technique: Dyeing
• Technique: Embroidery
• Technique: Garment Construction
• Technique: Printing