This item is a panel from a kurotomesode kimono. Decorations are executed with tsutsugaki yuzen (rice paste resist painting) and hand painting. With a dyeing technique invented in 17th century Kyoto, a mixture of rice paste and soybeans is used to draw delicate free-hand linear motifs on the silk. The most characteristic features of kimono ornamentation made in this way are subtle color gradations and narrow, flowing light lines that outline the motifs.  The yuzen dyed crane motifs are hand painted in this kurotomesode panel are a cream color with blue-grey accents.  The detailed work on the cranes is beautiful, with significant detail and shading down to the tips of every feather.  Muted colors in the legs of the crane give a three-dimensional feeling.  The  cloud like background the trio of cranes are set on on is a subtly textured cream and light tan, that fades into the black of the silk background.  The bottom of the panel has stylized trees in semi-translucent orange,  providing a good contrast to delicate fade of cream dye at the top of the panel.

The condition of the fabric and the decoration is excellent.

Size

• 85cm/33.5 inches long

• 32cm/12.5 inches wide