This listing is for a traditional vintage furisode kimono originally created for a young, unmarried woman. The sleeves are actually not as long as more contemporary furisode, but we feel it fits the category nevertheless.
This kimono features patterning and dye work associated with early in the 19th Century - could have been made in the 1920s - 1940s. (The Taisho Era was from 1912-1926.) Other aspects that suggest that time period are the type of silk jacquard, the sleeve and overall length compared to the narrow bodice measurement, and the red lining. Still, there are no tags on vintage kimono, so it is impossible to state exactly when it was made.
The pattern choice suggests that the original owner was a fan or student of ikebana - Japanese flower arranging. The motif includes several large vases decorated with traditional imagery including long, tassled cording. Eacn has a different floral arrangement of in each. We especially love the long cord imagery trailing straight down the back on the left side.
The single family crest - ivy - appears at the back of the neck, and the purple background silk with a tachibana (orange blossom) jacquard weave add another level of design and artistry.
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.
