Stunning 19/20th Century Japanese Blue Silk Kimono with Embroidered Sparrows and Gold Wrapped Thread Embroidery
Item Details
A simply stunning late 19th or early 20th century antique Japanese ladies furisode kimono in watery blue silk finely embellished with gold wrapped threads (couching) and approximately forty embroidered swallows. The kimono is lined in a sturdy embossed red fabric with a repeating medallion pattern. The fine detailing and the quality of the costly materials used indicate the kimono was very special, created for an important occasion. The gold wrapped threads have red silk bands to emulate bamboo shoots which are diagonally applied as a background for the swallows which are also couched in gold and embroidered. Attention to detailing should be noted in the embroidered silk ruby throats of the birds which are flying in several directions to really give a sense of movement. Swallows are yearly migrants in the Spring and are used symbolically on Japanese kimonos to represent good luck, fidelity in marriage and fertility. Information regarding Japanese kimonos and many examples can be found in the link provided below.
Condition
- good for age and wearing, some deterioration to the silk and several areas were the gold thread is loose. The extraordinary kimono is not museum quality and therefore has been enjoyed displayed on a bamboo rung. The back of the kimono has the majority of the stitching intact but has faded from sunlight and the silk at the top of the sleeves shows some splitting. Overall, the kimono displays beautifully despite these mentioned issues.
Dimensions
- the measurements given refer to the garment folded in the rice paper sleeve for shipping purposes. The 52" width measurement is taken as displayed with the sleeves extended fully and the length is 68".
Item #
16CIN389-001
Additional Information
