This exceptional mid-19th century chirimen silk tomesode represents a masterful example of historical narrative textile art, where yuzen painting techniques bring to life elaborate scenes from Japan's classical Heian period (794-1185). The composition features elegantly rendered court figures in traditional dress, their flowing robes and refined postures capturing the aesthetic ideals of aristocratic life that defined Japan's golden age of literature and culture. The deep forest green background creates a dramatic stage for these pale, luminous figures, while the strategic placement of the narrative scenes along the lower portion of the garment follows the formal conventions of tomesode design, appropriate for married women of high social standing.

The artistic approach reflects the Edo period's romanticization of classical Japanese culture, particularly the world immortalized in works like "The Tale of Genji" and other Heian court literature. Each figure is rendered with careful attention to period-appropriate details—the layered court robes, elaborate hairstyles, and graceful gestures that conveyed social status and refined sensibility. The combination of yuzen painting with silk embroidery and freehand painted highlights demonstrates the height of Japanese textile artistry, where multiple techniques were seamlessly integrated to create depth, texture, and visual interest. This kimono embodies the Edo period's cultural sophistication and its deep reverence for classical Japanese aesthetics, serving both as wearable art and as a textile homage to the literary and artistic achievements of the Heian court.

Designed for winter wear, it has two sets of cloths throughout, except for the upper doura inner lining. The orange-red doura (inner upper lining) is dyed with beni (safflower). There are five mon on this garment. Its measurements are 49 inches (124 cm) from sleeve-end to sleeve-end and 60 inches (152 cm) in height.

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