A late Meiji crepe silk antique tomesode with superior artistry. The very lifelike cranes were created utilizing a bevy of techniques: yuzen rice resist, hand-painting, gold-leaf outlining and satin-stitch and sagara embroidery. Five mon (family crests). Very good condition. 50" from sleeve-end to sleeve end x 63" height. The crane is known in Japan as a symbol of beauty. The stark contrast of black and white on its body, the bright red spot on its head, the delicacy of its form, and its elegant posture exemplify the Japanese taste for simplicity and serenity. By Heian times the crane was associated in art with longevity because of the belief that it lived a thousand years, and was also a symbol of good fortune.