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This silk uchikake features an elaborate pattern of flying cranes rendered in lustrous gold brocade against a cream ground with rich red accent borders. The garment showcases the sophisticated brocade weaving technique that Kyoto artisans had perfected over centuries, where supplementary metallic threads create raised, dimensional motifs that catch and reflect light with each movement of the fabric. The cranes are depicted in dynamic flight poses with wings outstretched and necks gracefully extended, creating a sense of continuous motion across the textile's surface.
The artistic execution reflects the height of traditional Japanese weaving mastery during the early 20th century, when Kyoto workshops maintained ancient techniques while adapting to changing social customs around ceremonial dress. The design demonstrates classical Japanese aesthetic principles of asymmetrical balance and natural rhythm, with the cranes arranged in flowing, organic patterns rather than rigid geometric repetition. The detail images reveal the extraordinary technical precision required for this brocade work, where individual feathers are articulated through subtle color gradations and the small touches of coral red add vibrant accents to beaks and details.
Symbolically, this uchikake embodies the most auspicious wishes for a bride, as cranes (tsuru) represent longevity, fidelity, and good fortune in Japanese culture. These magnificent birds are believed to live for a thousand years and mate for life, making them the ultimate symbol for marital happiness and enduring love. The golden coloration enhances these meanings, as gold represents prosperity and divine blessing. The continuous flight pattern suggests the bride's journey into her new life, while the multitude of cranes implies abundant blessings and the hope for many years of happiness together. This garment would have been worn over the main wedding kimono during the most formal portions of the ceremony, transforming the bride into a figure of almost divine elegance and ensuring she carried the most powerful protective symbols into her marriage.
The measurements are approximately 50 inches (127 cm) across and 71 inches (180 cm) in height.