A Child's Hand Painted Silk Kimono: Elaborate Semamori and 23 Cranes

early twentieth century
38" x 41", 96.5 cm x 104 cm

This is a child's kimono made of textured silk which is lavishly hand painted. Around the bottom of the kimono and on the sleeves is a scene showing craggy islands and the sea, the pale blue of the top of the kimono providing a suggestion of sky.

In this large, wide sky area, as well as on the painted ground, the artist painted 23 cranes, some in flight, some posing on the land.

Seen as well are images of young pine, the tortoise and branches of plum blossoms. The artisan who painted this image created a scene that was chockablock with symbols conveying a wish for long life.

Cranes--which are plentiful on this kimono--are symbols of long life just as they are symbols of conjugal fidelity since they mate for life. The pine, too, symbolizes the same two wishes, the latter because pine needles fall in pairs. Of course we know of the amazingly long lifespan of tortoises so that is self-evident.

The plum is a symbol of courage as it is the first bloom to appear in Japan and to do so it must break through winter's ice.

Plum blossoms appear again in the form of large, beautifully stitched semamori which attach the ties of the kimono to its body. Semamori are amulets meant to protect the child from spiritual harm and these are boldly done--and very noticeable as they are set against the deep blue background of the kimono tie.

There are three hand painted family crests on the back of the kimono, the crests are in the from of stylized oak leaves.

This kimono is lined in a richly toned purple silk whose color is in rich contrast to the soft tones of the exterior of the garment.

There are very, very faint stains--truly almost invisible--which are mentioned only because they might be noticed in a certain light and if you happen to notice them which could be unlikely. However in truth if you acquire this elaborately painted kimono you will not notice them.

Recommended.