This listing is for a traditional vintage furisode kimono originally created for a young, unmarried woman.
This kimono features images that you would see as you stroll through a traditional Japanese garden, including an abundance of florals, foliage, flowing water, fences, and bridges.
Catching your eye initially is the bold red stream that seems to meander along the kimono - sometimes angled, sometimes curving. This was created with shibori resist - note the irregular edging of the red against the cream, confirming it was gathered and clamped for dyeing.
The red is further embellished with tiny kanoko (fawn spot) dots and tiny traditional motifs in gold, applied through a katagami stencil. And don't miss the couched edging on the chrysanthemums. See videos below to learn more about all of these techniques.
The patterning was created with the yuzen technique - a combination of stencil and brush painting that requires the skill of dozens of artisans.
Unfortunately, as with many light-colored kimono, this kimono does have some light blemishes on the front but would be easily covered with an obi belt or would not be seen if the kimono were to be displayed from the back.
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 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.
