A sophisticated silk kimono featuring interlocking tortoise shell motifs created by extremely fine shibori technique. 50" from sleeve-end to sleeve-end x 60" height. The six-sided hexagonal tortoise-shell motif, called "kikko", is the Japanese way of abstractly representing the tortoise. Japanese notions regarding the tortoise form a complex tapestry woven from Hindu, Taoist, Confucian and Buddhist traditions. The animal is believed to live to an exceptional age, developing a flowing white tail and exhaling special vapours that conjure up sacred jewels. Used on this kimono, the motif signifies the hope for a long life. The countless knots involved in the tie-dye technique to create these motifs would have taken many weeks of laborious and exacting craftsmanship.