This antique silk irotomesode showcases elegant cranes soaring above a swirling ocean, featuring yuzen-painting with embroidered highlights. Measuring 49 inches from sleeve-end to sleeve-end and 60 inches in height (124.5 cm x 152.5 cm), it displays five mon (family crests), indicating the highest formality among irotomesode kimonos.

Irotomesode, the second most formal kimono after kurotomesode, employs lighter colors instead of black. It's commonly worn at weddings by married women not closely related to the bride or groom or during joyous, celebratory occasions.

The artwork on this kimono is striking—the majestic cranes gliding above a swirling sea set against a deep, rich blue sky create a truly sublime composition.

This artwork is featured on page 102 of Art Kimono: Aesthetic Revelations of Japan, 1905-1960. This book, published by Yorke Antique Textiles, can be previewed or purchased on our website here.

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