Description
This sophisticated rendition of the legendary Dragon (“Ryu”) has been hand painted and hand stenciled in the “Rice Paste Resist” technique on a very old, hand woven and rare transparent Silk Gossamer whose weave is referred to as “Karami Ori.” The overall sheer quality of this gauze marks it as a silk that could only be worn in three summer months: June, July and August. Garments created from this fine cloth could only be worn by the wealthiest and highest ranking individuals who could afford to have Kimono of this quality in storage for the rest of the year. The fact that this heirloom fragment has been preserved from a man’s “Nagajuban” or Under Kimono marks it as belonging to a man of great substance. This is further reinforced by the use of natural dyes in shades of purple or “Murasaki,” which was reserved for members of the Imperial Family. Purple was considered a “King” among colors and the name, Murasaki, from the famous novel, The Tale of Genji, came to be associated with one’s being a “paragon” among equals.
It is alleged that dragons lived in the water, but would occasionally ascend to the heavens, with the help of the ocean’s waves, bearing the trials and tribulations of man. This has been used as a metaphor for man’s leaving evil behind and advancing in the world. The immense value of this precious textile fragment is greatly enhanced by the artist’s seal on the related poetry written in the Japanese style of Kanji.
A Certificate of Authenticity is included.
Professional packing and shipping provided within the continental United States
