Vintage black silk kurotomesode with Heian period scenes and Kinkakuji temple
A masterpiece of elegance and history: the vintage black silk kurotomesode with yuzen decorations.
Heian period scenes, the Kinkakuji temple, and gold thread details make it unique.
Perfect for formal ceremonies or as a work of art to display.
€ 240,00 VAT included
Material: 100% silk (double lining: decorated black outer, white inner)
Condition: vintage in excellent condition
Origin: Japan
Features: yuzen decoration with Heian period scenes (courtiers, noblewomen, imperial goshoguruma carriage, golden clouds, cherry and pine branches, Kinkakuji temple), kinkoma gold thread details, 1-5 kamon (family crests)
Measurements:
Sleeve 47 cm
Length 151 cm
Sleeve to sleeve 127 cm
Back 61 cm
Recommended use: evening wear for formal ceremonies, decorative piece when hung, dressing gown or evening dress
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).
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 yuzen decoration, an ancient dyeing technique dating back to the Edo period.
The decoration depicts Heian period scenes (794-1185) inspired by the famous novel Genji Monogatari: courtiers, noblewomen, and an imperial goshoguruma carriage covered with flowers.
In the background, golden clouds, cherry branches, pine, and the Kinkakuji temple, the golden pavilion of Kyoto.
The details are finished in kinkoma gold thread, which give brightness and value to the garment.
Made entirely by hand and colored with natural dyes, this kurotomesode is a unique piece.
Informazioni aggiuntive
Descrizione
This vintage black silk kurotomesode is a masterpiece of art and tradition. The yuzen decoration depicts Heian period scenes inspired by the Genji Monogatari: courtiers, noblewomen, and an imperial goshoguruma carriage.
In the background, golden clouds, cherry branches, pine, and the famous Kinkakuji temple. The details are finished in kinkoma gold thread, which give brightness and value 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 impact.
This is a unique and precious piece, sewn entirely by hand and colored with natural dyes. It has a double lining: decorated black outer and white inner.
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.
