Description
This colorful and magnificently hand painted and embroidered young boy’s Formal Silk Kimono, obviously belonged to a young man of high social standing, as the intricate weaving, hand painting, and pure gold threads of the embroidery are exquisite in their detailing. The dramatic Carp (“Koi”) fighting upstream amidst the powerful waves (“Nami”) and pine (“Matsu”) boughs was created through the “Rice Paste Resist” technique of painting. In order to apply each individual color, all the remaining colors must first be painted out in the rice paste. This is an extraordinarily difficult, time consuming, and labor-intensive artistic process that often took months to accomplish. The background color is very unusual in that it is actually a very dark teal which appears almost black.
The Carp is much admired in Japan and holds special symbolism for young boys as it represents their fathers’ wish for them to emulate its’ courage, stamina, and strength so vividly portrayed in this artwork. This is reinforced by the imagery of the pine which represents long life, the powerful waves which aid the boy’s might and the bamboo (“Take”) which is prized for its resilience, flexibility and strength. The Kimono was then further embellished by the use of pure gold thread which was created by painting liquid Gold on rice paper and then wrapping it around Silk threads; which, because it was so fragile, could only be laid on top of the fabric and “Couched” to it. In addition, liquid gold highlights have been applied.
The Family Crest (“Mon”) appears 5 times on the shoulders and back of the garment and indicates that it was to be worn for formal occasions. The Crest is that of the Plum Blossom (“Ume”) which, in addition to its beauty, is admired for its strength and hardiness in the face of lingering winter, as it was the first flower to appear and announce the coming of spring. From the high sheen of this finely hand woven Silk to the actual painting and fabulous embroidery, this Boys’ Kimono is a valued heirloom.
A Certificate of Authenticity is included.
TTAC will personally pack and ship via UPS at company expense within the continental U.S.