Furisode uchikake (long-sleeve overcoat) with design of plum and cherry blossoms, peonies, chrysanthemums and wisteria on red figured silk satin ('rinzu')

Branches of plum and cherry blossoms, peonies, wisteria and chrysanthemums as well as roundels of pine, bamboo and plum ('shochikubai') achieved in red, pink, light and dark green, and gold embroidery interspersed with 'shibori' form the overall decoration of this 'uchikake furisode' with long, swinging sleeves. The figured red silk ('rinzu') used as base material enhances the high value of this garment. The auspicious meaning of the design as well as the colour red is appropriate for joyous occasions, most likely a wedding. This type of robes is typical wedding gifts for daughters of wealthy commoner household.

REFERENCES:
Gluckman, Dale Carolyn & Takeda, Sharon Sadako. 'When art became fashion : kosode in Edo-period Japan'. With contributions by Monica Bethe, Hollis Goodall-Cristante, William B. Hauser, Kirihata Ken, Maruyama Nobuhiko, Nagasaki Iwao, Robert T. Singer. New York/Tokyo: Weatherhill and Los Angeles County Museum of Art, 1992

Stinchecum, Amanda Myer. 'Kosode, 16th-19th century textiles from the Nomura Collection'. With essays by Monica Bethe and Margot Paul ; edited by Naomi Noble Richard and Margot Paul, New York: Japan Society and Kodansha International, 1984.

Asian Art Department, AGNSW, 2014.