This listing is for a traditional vintage furisode kimono - the most formal, long-sleeved style created for a young, unmarried woman.  See below for more detail.

This furisode is so unique.  Yes, the butterfly motif can be found on these ceremonial kimono but looks closely to see the amazing and understated,  painted and embroidered, auspicious symbols that peek out from behind the wings.  The red and white shibori-made butterflies obscure some of the elaborately designed featured butterflies that lie beneath.  Those symbols include stylized cloves, hexagon shapes, and more, all designed to tease the viewer intos completing the image in their mind. Sweeping arcs of white kanoko (fawn spot) shibori create grasses that seem to ripple across the surface. 

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 a variety of colors (brown, black, natural, white, 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 (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.