This black silk wedding kurofurisode showcases masterful yuzen-painting, evident in the precise color gradations and fluid brushwork that brings the crane motifs to life against the deep black ground. The artistic execution recalls elements of sumi-e ink painting traditions, particularly visible in the graceful curves of the cranes' necks and the subtle tonal variations that suggest movement and dimensionality.
The design centers on two primary motifs that carry profound cultural significance in Japanese art and society. The cranes, rendered in white with delicate touches of red and gold, symbolize longevity, good fortune, and marital fidelity - making them especially appropriate for wedding attire. These magnificent birds are depicted in various poses of flight and rest, their wings spread in elegant arcs that create dynamic movement across the textile surface. Interspersed throughout the composition are kikko (tortoiseshell hexagon) patterns in multiple colors including blue, gold, green, and red, each containing stylized floral motifs. The hexagonal kikko pattern traditionally represents longevity and good luck, reinforcing the auspicious nature of the garment's symbolic program.
The detail images provide an intimate view of the technical mastery involved in the textile's creation, revealing the intricate silk embroidery that adds textural richness to the painted elements. The crane's feathers show remarkable detail work, with individual plumes carefully delineated through embroidered outlines that enhance the three-dimensional quality of the design.
It measures 52 inches (132 cm) from sleeve-end to sleeve-end and stands at 68 inches (173 cm) in height.