This chirimen (crepe) silk wedding kurofurisode showcases numerous flying cranes painted with yuzen technique, complemented by sumi-e and freehand painting highlights. It measures 50 inches (127 cm) from sleeve-end to sleeve-end and stands at 60 inches (152 cm) in height. In Japanese culture, the red-crowned crane holds significant symbolic meaning. Revered for its longevity, it symbolizes long life, loyalty, honor, wisdom, and spirituality, acting as a bridge between the earthly and divine realms. At weddings, it represents loyalty, health, happiness, and the soaring spirit of the couple. The white plumage signifies purity, while the red crown embodies vitality. Typically, formal furisode bears five family crests called "mon," yet this particular one, for unknown reasons, lacks any of these crests. Traditionally, a garment like this might have been worn by the bride preceding the main ceremony or during the wedding itself.

This artwork is featured on page 92 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. The piece is also illustrated on page 336 of our other book, Ceremonial Textiles of Japan, 18th to 20th Centuries, which can be found here

and in Arts of Asia, Spring, 2022, p97.