This brocade silk uchikake displays an all-over pattern of chrysanthemums, peonies, and phoenixes rendered in rich golden tones against a deep bronze-green ground, creating a textile surface that shimmers.
The motifs carry profound symbolic weight within Japanese ceremonial culture, with chrysanthemums representing longevity, nobility, and imperial favor—the flower being the official symbol of the Japanese imperial family. The peonies, known as the "king of flowers," symbolize honor, wealth, and feminine beauty, while the phoenix motifs represent rebirth, renewal, and the harmonious union of opposing forces. Together, these elements create a symbolic program ideally suited for bridal wear, invoking blessings of prosperity, happiness, and marital harmony for the wearer.
The elegant family crest (mon) detail reveals the sophisticated level of textile artistry achieved during this period, with its geometric interlocking pattern rendered in white silk against the rich brocaded ground. The dense, all-over patterning reflects a luxurious aesthetic that speaks to the wealth and status of the wearer while maintaining the classical Japanese principle of integrating multiple natural elements into a harmonious whole.
It is in very good condition, albeit with slight tears and fraying at the base of the inner lining. It measures 49 inches (124 cm) from sleeve-end to sleeve-end and stands at 59 inches (150 cm) tall.