This listing is for a traditional vintage furisode kimono originally created for a young, unmarried woman.
This kimono features auspicious symbols sure to bring luck (and love?) to the traveler! The background is a cream silk with diamond jacquard where each diamond is filled with a small floral motif. Emerald green is the first color you see but look closely to appreciate the subtle dye work that includes more shades of green and some gold tones.
As lovely as the colors and silk are, the featured motif is worth a deeper discussion. In the deep green cresting wave on the front panel, we find a mix of auspicious Buddhist symbols and imagery associated with travelers who walk the Tokaido Road centuries ago. A magic mallet, money pouch, lotus flower, and Buddhist gems float among a traveler's straw hat, scrolls, and fan. Several motifs are embellished with vermillion embroidery and there is gold everywhere (pained or couched).
The patterning was created with the yuzen technique - a combination of stencil and brush painting that requires the skill of dozens of artisans.
Furisode are worn for formal events, such as Seijin-no-hi (Coming of Age Day, sometimes translated as Adults Day) in early January. Furisode are also worn for weddings, recitals, receptions, and other celebrations calling for formal attire. Note the long sleeves (furi = long, sode = sleeves) sometimes called "butterfly sleeves", which flow with grace when she gestures, attracting male attention!
If you'd like to display the kimono, we offer hanging rods in three colors (brown, black, and red) - see the Add a Display Rod? tab below.
If you'd like to wear or display this kimono with a traditional obi, browse our Fukuro Style Obi or email us if you don't see one you like. Although it isn't traditional, if you'd like one of our simple cotton sashes to wear with this, we'll choose a complimenting color for $15 (see Add a Sash? above).
For more information on wearing a furisode or the traditional textile techniques used to make this kimono, see videos below.
