Dramatic combination of color and design!
A parade of cranes Flying with their wings extended across the entire body of the kimono beautifully done.
The background is ivory, with a few small blemishes, but the gold is dazzling
and the bit of black embroidered accent on the cranes' wings, neck and bill really complete the palette.
Stenciled and painted with a bit of pale metallic shimmer to some of the gold paint.
Heavily padded red hem, and completely lined in the lipstick red silk
This is an uchikake - meant to be worn on top of another kimono,
not meant to be tied with an obi but rather draped open, mostly for picture taking.
These also make elegant displays.

Jacquard Cream Silk with Coral, Black Burgundy and shades of metallic Gold
Some of the coloration is embroidered and some of it is hand painted
Fully Lined
ength=71"
Hipline 51" end to end
Wrist-to-Wrist measures 50 1/2"
Wonderful Condition - this has been worn and their is some small staining, but it does not detract
from the exquisite patterning and coloration of this gown.
This was made to order for a very extravagant wedding in Kyoto in 1957.
It has been on display ever since.

Nothing says "Asian tradition" like the red, black and white color combination of this gown.
The symbols of paired cranes (which mate for life), the prosperity symbolized by the golden, embroidered treasure,
combine to send the bride & groom a flurry of very sincere & elaborate wishes for a healthy, prosperous & long life together.

The kimono fell out of fashion for men in the first part of the 20th Century,
but women continued to wear them until WWII, when it became less practical than uniforms in the factories.
After WWII, western clothing became sensible, affordable, and fashionable in urban areas,
so kimono-wearing was reserved for traditional cultural events rather than every day wear.
It was still common for women to receive dozens of kimono and obi as dowry items,
but opportunities to actually wear them were few.
In Kyoto, the cultural center of Japan, one is more likely to see a women in kimono on the street
She may be on her way to a tea ceremony lesson, an ikebana exhibit, a koto concert, or to eat a traditional, seasonal meal.
You might see an older woman in kimono at the corner shop or on her way to her daily pilgrimage to the neighborhood shrine.
These events and activities are part and parcel of life in Kyoto
The Wedding Kimono is still an obligation for the family of the Bride and Groom
It is an optional choice for the guests at the wedding.

This extraordinary Kyoto Wedding Kimono dating 1957 is an exceptional piece of design and Japanese History.
Of course, they are still making kimonos today, but not with this kind of handwork and detailing.