DESCRIPTION:  This is an extraordinary example of an exquisite Uchikake, a gorgeous gown with a trailing padded hem worn by court ladies over kimono for formal occasions. It is an incredible family heirloom dating from 1850, in exquisite condition. It is a rare,  light green Silk Uchikake whose background has been hand woven, to add depth and texture, in a small repeat, complex geometric pattern composed of rows of vertical stripes or "Shima" and checks or "Ichimatsu," also referred to as paving stones. It was then hand painted using the "Rice Past Resist" technique that flourished from the Edo to Meiji Eras. This marvelous design was then hand embroidered in an extraordinary depiction of an ocean landscape with Mt. Fuji in the background.  The flying cranes or "Tsuru," the elaborately decorated structural elements, and the glorious pine trees or "Matsu" have been stitched in naturally dyed silk threads to create a breathtaking panorama.  The magnificent embroidery also includes hand made pure gold “Couched” threads.

The small round circles on the top portions of the Uchikake are the Family Crest or "Mon." The Crest is that of Crossed Feathers or "Takaha." This Crest  carried a military significance dating from the feudal era, when it was customary for officers to display feathers at the the side of their headgear. Several Shrines have adopted the Falcon Feather as their official emblem, thus adding a religious dimension to the martial symbolism of the design. There are 5 of these Crests, further indicating that this garment was intended for formal wear. The fact that these Crests occur on a female's garment, indicates that this individual came from a family of very high social standing, as well as great wealth. 

COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: Japan

TYPE TEXTILE:  Uchikake or Formal Over Robe worn by ruling class women unbelted and draped over another Kimono for formal occasions...often used in wedding ceremonies.

APPROXIMATE DATE OR PERIOD:  Edo Era (1615 - 1867), prior to 1850

FABRIC CONTENT and CONDITION:  Gloriously hand woven Silk that was hand painted in the Rice Paste Resist method that required that each individual color was first painted out in rice paste in order to be applied. This process was particularly tedious and time consuming. The design was then embroidered in pure gold and silk threads that were made entirely by hand by first painting a layer of liquid gold on thin handmade rice paper, and then wrapping it around several threads of silk.  Because of its delicacy, it could not be sewn into the fabric; but was, instead, laid on top of the fabric, and then hand stitched to it. In extraordinary condition.

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