An impressive silk hitoe (unlined) summer kimono featuring yuzen-painted fan and shaded bamboo motifs. One discreet 1" silk split. 48" from sleeve-end to sleeve-end x 60" height. Red, yellow, green and blue fans are the predominant motif. The Japanese believe that the handle of the fan symbolizes the beginning of life and the bamboo ribs are for the roads of life going out in all directions. Moreover, the action of opening a fan is an auspicious omen for the 'unfolding' of the future. As for the bamboo motifs, their evergreen leaves connote 'constancy', the evenly-spread nodes signify 'moderation', and its bending in the wind implies 'moral resilience'. Additionally, there are subtle 'yabane' (arrow feather) motifs that are embroidered at 45 degree angles: these motifs were created utilizing stiff and shiny metallic and black 'urushi' (lacquered) threads. The design of this kimono is unusual: the dual-colored fans coming out at an angle from the narrow white line bamboo stalks -- the total effect is striking, one that both respects tradition, as well as possessing a rather 'modern' graphic design.