A chirimen silk kimono featuring whirlpool and abstract fan motifs. A number of light stains. 52" from sleeve-end to sleeve-end x 60" height.  This is an exceptional kimono in terms of design-layout, quality and consistency of colors, and spinning and weaving of the silk. The fan motifs are unique with regards to their design and unusual technique involved (take a look at the detail images).  The most dominant motif on this kimono are the compressed "uzumaki" (whirlpool).  Japanese had the traditional belief that uzumaki motifs would serve the talismanic purpose of  waterproofing a home.  The use of the whirlpool motif in Japan may emanate from the famous tidal Naruto whirlpools of southern Japan that occur in the Naruto strait, a channel between the city of Naruto and Awaji Island.