Silk Fabric Uchikake Panel with Crane Motif

This item is a panel from a Uchikake kimono with a crane motif. .  The fabric is flexible, soft middleweight rayon weave called Hitokoshi. 

Detailed Decoration Information

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 on this Uchikake panel are executed in shades of a rusty red color on a background of light blue-grey and cream.  Some of the small smaller cranes are applied to the hitokoshi with gold foil.  Gold is also used on the outside outlines of the hand-painted cranes. On the center of the panel there are a pair of large cranes.  The bodies of the 2 large center cranes are executed in cream and light highlights of bluish gray. 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 edges of the feathers of the largest crane are highlighted with gold thread.  The gold thread is embroidered into the fabric on the trailing edges of each feather.  This gives the design a sense of movement and reflection

Condition

The condition of the fabric and the decoration is excellent. There are two diffuse stains thoughts on the light part of the decorations, and I have included detailed pictures of those those.

Size

• 110cm/43 inches long
  

• 38cm/13.5 inches wide