This chirimen (crepe) silk wedding kurofurisode showcases a multitude of flying cranes rendered with yuzen-painting, enhanced by sumi-e and freehand painting highlights. It measures 50 inches (127 cm) from sleeve-end to sleeve-end and stands at 60 inches (152 cm) in height. Despite a few inconspicuous small stains, this piece doesn't feature any "mon" (family crests). The Japanese red-crowned crane symbolizes longevity, loyalty, honor, wisdom, and spirituality, acting as a messenger between heaven and earth. At weddings, it represents loyalty and embodies qualities of a soaring spirit, health, and happiness, with white bodies signifying purity and red heads denoting vitality. This kurofurisode would likely have been worn by the bride before or during the wedding ceremony. Although formal furisode typically bear five family crests, this particular one lacks them for unknown reasons.

This artwork is featured on pages 3336-337 of Ceremonial Textiles of Japan, 18th to 20th Centuries. This book, published by Yorke Antique Textiles, can be previewed or purchased on our website here.

This piece also featured on page 97 of the Spring 2022 edition of Arts of Asia.

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