An unusual antique uchikake featuring horizontal bands of design that are a hallmark of certain rare early 19th century Edo garments (see 'When Art Became Fashion' p270, plate 78 for a similar example). The rinzu base is an older style that seems almost like a brocade. Much sophisticated yuzen-work in the paulownia, chrysanthemum and bamboo motifs, with highlights of silk and metallic threads. Five mon. Excellent condition. 50" from sleeve-end to sleeve-end x 69" height. The family crests consist each of three Chinese flowers within hexagons grouped together. The hexagons represent the turtle shell and thus all the auspicious connotations of the turtle. This crest was the official emblem of the immensely influential Izumo Shrine, possibly because the turtle is associated with the god of the north, and Izumo is located in the northern part of Japan. Parishioners of Izumo and associated shrines frequently adopted the hexagon as their own family crest to commemorate their devotion. The main motifs on this wedding garment are those of paulownia, chrysanthemum and bamboo. The chrysanthemum flower represents nobility and purity. Bamboo represents constancy, integrity and honor. The paulownia bears a heavy load of legendary and historic significance. According to Chinese legend, the mythical phoenix, bird of immortality, alights only in the branches of the paulownia tree when it comes to earth and eats only the seed of the bamboo.