This kurofurisode, a kinsha (fine crepe) silk garment, boasts striking yuzen-painted pine, crane, and wave motifs with bold graphics. Gold foil outlines these elements, accentuating their prominence. The embroidery intricacies include sagara (tiny knots) on crane heads, metallic details on crane tail-feathers, and delicate silk embroidery on crane and wave features. These details, strategically placed on the sleeves and lower front, create areas that catch and reflect light, enhancing the garment's effect in motion.

The oversized pines exhibit bokashi shading for depth and dimension. The slightly padded hem allows the garment to gracefully drape and slightly touch the floor. Five family crests adorn it. Its measurements are approximately 50 inches from sleeve-end to sleeve-end and 70 inches in height, or about 127 centimeters by 178 centimeters.

This artwork is featured on page 227 of Art Kimono: Aesthetic Revelations of Japan, 1905-1960. This book, published by Yorke Antique Textiles, can be previewed or purchased on our website here.  This textile is also illustrated on page 333-334 of our other book, Ceremonial Textiles of Japan, 18th to 20th Centuries, which can be found here

This kurofurisode is also featured on page 93 of Spring 2022 edition of Arts of Asia.

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