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This silk kimono features exotic 'shou-chiku-bai' (pine tree, bamboo, and ume blossom) motifs crafted using the shibori technique. It measures 51 inches (130 cm) from sleeve-end to sleeve-end and stands at 61 inches (155 cm) in height. The combination of pine, bamboo, and plum blossoms symbolizes winter, longevity, and cultural refinement, collectively known as the "Three Friends of Winter" in Japanese culture. All the intricate patterns on this kimono were meticulously created through "so-hitta," a form of shibori involving finely-knotted tie-dye.
The elaborate technique, as seen in this kimono, yielded splendid results but was remarkably time-consuming and costly. The preparation alone for dyeing such a kimono took up to a year, demanding uninterrupted continuity to maintain the evenness of the design. This technique and design reflect a style reminiscent of late 18th-century examples found in select museums, rare during the Meiji and Taisho periods.