A sheer silk hitoe Ro kimono for summer wear, featuring weeping willow and carp motifs hand-painted with dyes. Light smudging in several areas. 47" from sleeve-end to sleeve-end x 57" height.  In Japan the weeping willow  is harbinger of spring but above all symbolized female grace and beauty. Its branches swaying in the wind reflected a Japanese wife's submission to her husband's will.  The 'magoi' (black carp) represent the male, and the 'higoi' (red carp) the female.   The carp motif is auspicious:  the Japanese consider the carp as the most spirited of fish, so full of energy and power that it can fight its way up swift-running streams and cascades. Because of its strength and determination to overcome all obstacles, it stands for courage and the ability to attain high goals.