This striking textile originates from Japan’s mid-Showa period (1940–1960) and represents a significant section of a disassembled silk kimono. Measuring 14 inches by 43 inches (36 cm x 109 cm), the panel is crafted from high-quality silk featuring a vibrant turquoise-blue ground. The entire surface is characterized by a dense, pebbled texture created through shibori (tie-dyeing), which provides a tactile and visually rich foundation for the decorative narrative. This vintage piece remains in excellent condition, showcasing the precise craftsmanship required to execute complex figurative patterns using resist-dyeing methods.

The visual narrative is dominated by tsuru (cranes), a revered symbol in Japanese culture representing longevity, fidelity, and good fortune. These majestic birds are rendered in soaring flight against a backdrop of soft white clouds. The cranes are depicted with vibrant green bodies and wings tipped in deep red and cream, achieved through a combination of meticulous tie-dyeing and hand-tinting. The rhythmic arrangement of the birds, with their wings outstretched and long necks extended, creates a sense of dynamic energy across the panel. This scholarly composition reflects the mid-century preference for bold, auspicious motifs that utilize traditional techniques in a vivid, modern color palette.

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