This chirimen silk kurofurisode features a striking composition of bamboo stalks, peonies, and plum blossoms against a dramatic black ground, executed in the yuzen painting technique and enhanced with embroidery, couching, and metallic foil outlining. The bamboo, rendered in naturalistic pale green tones, symbolizes resilience, longevity, and moral integrity in Japanese culture, while the abundant peonies—depicted in soft pink and coral hues—represent honor, wealth, and feminine beauty, making them particularly appropriate for a wedding garment. The delicate plum blossoms, with their association with perseverance through adversity and the promise of spring, add layers of auspicious meaning to this bridal ensemble.

The artistic execution reflects the influence of the Rinpa school's decorative aesthetic, with its bold asymmetrical compositions and stylized natural forms, while the sophisticated color palette and technical mastery demonstrate the high level of craftsmanship achieved during the Meiji and Taisho periods (1868-1926). The interplay between painted and embroidered elements creates rich textural variation, with the metallic accents adding luminous highlights that would have shimmered beautifully in candlelight or lamplight.

Adorned with five family crests, it stands as the most formal of kimonos, measuring 52 inches (132 cm) from sleeve-end to sleeve-end and standing at 59 inches (150 cm) in height.

This artwork is featured on page 101 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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