thekimonogallery:Taisho uchikake. Taisho period (1912-1926), Japan. The Kimono Gallery. A vivid an
thekimonogallery:Taisho uchikake. Taisho period (1912-1926), Japan. The Kimono Gallery. A vivid and remarkable silk wedding kimonofeaturing a masterful depiction of a phoenix, paulownia and peony flowers. Thepatterning technique is yuzen on a smooth, plain-spun high quality silk. Thephoenix and the paulownia are intimately associated in Japanese legend – thephoenix will only alight on the branches of this tree. A composite of severalanimals, the phoenix is a symbol of peace and the rising sun, a bird whose songis particularly musical and auspicious. Because the phoenix is the femalecounterpart of the male dragon and its varied colored feathers represent thetraditional virtues of truthfulness, propriety, righteousness, benevolence andsincerity – it is an auspicious bridal motif. The peony is an auspiciousflower, known as the flower of riches and honor and is an emblem of wealth anddistinction. It symbolizes prosperity, happiness, and peace. An emblem of loveand affection, the peony is often a symbol of feminine beauty.cristo -- source link