This silk miyamairi kimono was crafted for a child's coming-of-age celebration at a Shinto shrine. It presents a pair of standing red-crested cranes, meticulously created using the yuzen technique and accentuated with embroidery. Measuring 34 inches (86 cm) from sleeve-end to sleeve-end and standing at 41 inches (104 cm) in height, its design layout typically suits boys' miyamairi kimonos. However, the deviation from the usual black background to a more feminine theme suggests it was tailored for a girl.

In Japanese tradition, the red-crested crane symbolizes love, happiness, marital fidelity, and longevity. Despite being a rare bird, it's ubiquitously celebrated throughout Japan as an icon. The craftsmanship of this kimono is exceptional, displaying exquisite yuzen-painting with subtle shading, precise detailing, and elegant poses of the cranes.

This artwork is featured on pages 234-239 of Ceremonial Textiles of Japan, 18th to 20th Centuries. This book, published by Yorke Antique Textiles, can be previewed or purchased on our website here.

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