This rinzu silk furisode is adorned with numerous yuzen-painted motifs on a large quadrated background, enriched with satin-stitch embroidery, metallic couching, and gold foil. With five mon, it ranks as the most formal of kimono. Featuring a double inner lining, it's presumably designed for winter wear, and despite a few tiny tears on the shoulder, it measures 49 inches (124 cm) from sleeve-end to sleeve-end and stands tall at 68 inches (173 cm) in height.

The motifs prominently include various musical instruments utilized in 'Gagaku,' Japan's traditional music and dance. The kimono's graphic quadrated color background reminiscent of Edo period Noh theatre robes, coupled with its unusual height of 68 inches, suggests its likely purpose for theatrical or dance performances, where the trailing hem would elegantly grace the stage floor.

This artwork is featured on pages 348-349 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.

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