Formal Outer Kimono (Uchikake) with Bamboo Curtains, Kusudama, and Cherry Blossoms 打掛 紅綸子地御簾薬玉桜模様うちかけ べにりんずじみすくすだまさくらもよう

Description

Uchikake are kimono worn on formal occasions. They are still worn by brides at wedding ceremonies today. This lavish uchikake features designs over glossy red figured satin.

The motifs are tie-dyed or embroidered using gold and silk threads. The ground is also dyed an expensive red. All this suggests the garment was worn by a woman of high social standing. The opulent colors may conjure up an image of a young lady, but this is actually a short-sleeved type worn by married women. It was probably worn on special occasions by a young wife.

Let's take a closer look at the designs. Cherry blossoms bloom across the surface of the garment. A number of techniques have been used to create subtle variations in the colors of the flowers. Some blossoms are embroidered using silk or gold threads, for example, while others are tie-dyed. The dye has also been removed in places to create flower shapes on the white ground. The most extravagant motif is probably the ornamental herbal decoration at the top right. Herbal decorations were made by placing herbs and other things in a brocaded pouch. Imitation flowers and iris leaves were then fastened to the bag and strings of five colors were hung down from the finished decoration. These decorations were traditionally hung up on May the fifth to ward off evil spirits. The five-colored strings and bamboo blinds together create a dynamic, sweeping design.