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This dark olive-green chirimen silk kimono, measuring approximately 48 inches from sleeve-end to sleeve-end and 58 inches in height (122 cm x 147 cm), showcases hand-painted depictions of the twelve Famous Views of Edo. Despite its historical significance, this kimono is in fair to good condition, showing noticeable fading, particularly in the upper areas on both the front and back sections. The original hem has been folded and hand-sewn, shortening the kimono by about 4 inches and resulting in a 3.5-inch silk split at the base of the new fold. Additionally, the inner lining exhibits small tears.
This garment's condition suggests it's more suitable for display or study purposes rather than wearing. Its design includes five family crests, specifically symbolizing nine stars (hoshi), which are linked to the worship of Ursa Major, a practice that emerged during the early Heian period and gradually integrated into Buddhist beliefs, particularly associated with the protective war deity Myoken. The twelve Famous Views of Edo, representing each month of the year, were popular themes in art during the later Edo period, often depicted by artists like Ando Hiroshige in various art forms including woodblock prints.