This remarkable silk wedding kimono showcases a masterful depiction of a phoenix alongside paulownia and peony flowers. Crafted using the yuzen-painting technique on high-quality silk, it measures 49 inches (124 cm) across the sleeves and stands 61 inches (155 cm) tall. The phoenix, a composite symbol associated with peace and the rising sun, finds its perch exclusively on the paulownia tree, embodying virtues such as truthfulness, propriety, righteousness, benevolence, and sincerity through its varied feathers. As the female counterpart to the dragon, its colors represent traditional values. Meanwhile, the peony, an emblem of wealth, honor, prosperity, and peace, symbolizes love and feminine beauty, making it an auspicious bridal motif.

This artwork is featured on page 215 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 324-327 of our other book, Ceremonial Textiles of Japan, 18th to 20th Centuries, which can be found here

This uchikakeis also featured on page 136 of the January-February 2018 edition of Arts of Asia.

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