This listing is for a vintage Japanese wedding kimono (uchikake). An uchikake is draped over top of a kakeshita kimono, left open without an obi, and has a padded at the hem as it was once meant to trail across the floor behind the bride. 

This uchikake has a white background with lots of gold and "Japanese Red".  The pattering features seigaiha (overlapping waves motif) as the background for magnificent cranes woven in red, black and gold. Cranes are often depicted on wedding kimono because they mate for life and are said to live 1000 years - signify a long and happy marriage.

Look closely to see that some cranes have been woven with an iridescent shimmer.  

A section of woven gold kanji on the inside front panel indicates that the weaving was done with real gold.  Roughly translated, it also says it was woven in the Higashijin ("East (weaving) District" of Kyoto) style - which no longer exists.  Nishijin is the "West District" and is still the main textile district of Kyoto. 

Another tag is sewn to an inside seam and describes the "Edo Period" colors that were chosen. 

These wedding kimono are a gorgeous display of Japanese art and culture and can be an heirloom treasure handed down generation after generation. View the slide show below to be amazed at these elaborate works of artistry!

If you plan to display this kimono, we offer sturdy wooden rods for hanging - see options in the tab below. See the slideshow below on how these are worn or displayed.