Vintage black silk kurotomesode with pine branches and shippo motif

A symbol of strength and prosperity: the vintage black silk kurotomesode with pine branches and shippo motif combines elegance and tradition. A unique piece, perfect for those who love Japanese culture.

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Details and measurements

Material: 100% silk (double lining: decorated black outer, white inner)

Condition: vintage in excellent condition

Origin: Japan

Features: yuzen decoration with pine branches and shippo motif (interconnected circles), ginkoma silver thread and kinkoma gold thread, 1-5 kamon (family crests)

Measurements:
Sleeve 48 cm
Length 158 cm
Sleeve to sleeve 122 cm
Back 60 cm

Recommended use: evening wear for formal ceremonies, decorative piece when hung, dressing gown or evening dress

Care and maintenance

Silk kimono and haori should never be washed in water, not even cold. Water damages the fabric, often dyed with natural dyes.
Simply air it out 1-2 times a year and store it folded in a closet. For cleaning, use an artisanal dry cleaner (not industrial).

History and tradition

The kurotomesode is the most formal kimono for married adult women, worn during ceremonies and important events such as weddings, graduations, and receptions. The word kurotomesode is composed of:

  • Kuro (black): the color of the silk, symbol of elegance and sobriety.
  • Tome (cut): the sleeves are shorter than other kimono, such as the furisode (worn by unmarried girls).
  • Sode (sleeve).

The decoration is present only on the lower part of the kimono. It develops mainly on the left side, which becomes the front when worn.
The kurotomesode features 1 to 5 kamon, family crests on sleeves and shoulders, which indicate the level of formality.

This piece is embellished with a yuzen decoration depicting pine branches, symbol of longevity and strength, and the shippo motif (interconnected circles representing the 7 treasures and 7 Buddhist virtues), symbol of harmony, peace and prosperity. The details are finished in ginkoma silver thread and kinkoma gold thread, which give luminosity and refinement to the garment.

Yuzen is an ancient dyeing technique dating back to the Edo period: it consists of painting a motif on silk, freehand or with stencils, using rice starch and natural ink. The result is a vibrant and refined decoration with great visual and artistic impact.

Informazioni aggiuntive

Descrizione

This vintage black silk kurotomesode with pine branches and shippo motif is a unique piece that combines symbolism and tradition. The yuzen decoration depicts pine branches, symbol of longevity and strength, and the shippo motif, interconnected circles representing the 7 treasures and 7 Buddhist virtues, symbol of harmony, peace and prosperity.

The details are finished in ginkoma silver thread and kinkoma gold thread, which give luminosity and refinement to the garment.

Entirely handmade in Japan, this kurotomesode is a unique piece, sewn and painted with mastery. It has a double lining (outer black and decorated, inner white). You can wear it as evening wear during formal ceremonies, or hang it on a wall as a true work of art.


FAQ

What is a kurotomesode?

The kurotomesode is the most formal kimono for married adult women. It’s always in black silk and has shorter sleeves than other kimono, such as the furisode (for unmarried girls).
The decoration is present only on the lower part and develops on the left side, which becomes the front when worn.
The number of kamon (family crests) on sleeves and shoulders indicates the level of formality (from 1 to 5, where 5 is the highest).
It’s worn during ceremonies and important events, such as weddings, graduations, and receptions.

How do you care for a silk kimono?

Silk kimono should never be washed in water, not even cold. Water damages the fabric, often dyed with natural dyes.
Simply air it out 1-2 times a year and store it folded in a dry closet. For cleaning, use an artisanal dry cleaner (not industrial).

How do you wear a kurotomesode?

The kurotomesode can be worn in a traditional or unconventional way.

Traditional way:

  • You need to consider the length and accessories.
  • Maru obi or fukuro obi type belts are used, more elaborate and suitable for formal kimono.
  • It’s suitable for ceremonies and important events.

Unconventional way:

  • It can become a beautiful decorative piece when hung on a wall.
  • It can be worn as a dressing gown or evening dress.
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