Spring cranes

Motif

Japanese cranes are considered mystical birds and are praised for their noble elegance. In China the image of cranes flying among the clouds can represent outstanding personalities who have elevated higher than ordinary people.

In Japan, cranes are a strong symbol of longevity, as it was believed they lived for hundreds of years.

As a kimono pattern, it is an auspicious symbol frequently worn on bridal kimono and accessories. When a couple of cranes are represented flying side-by-side it may wish the spouses a happy and long life together. But the cranes can also be observed in many other aspects of everyday life in Japan, the most common being the origami shaped crane, a well-known symbol for peace around the world.

Most of the time, I find that cranes represented on obi are mixed with auspicious winter motifs such as pine branches or plum blossoms. On this obi a lot of flowers and grasses are represented and evoque spring and summer. We can see grapes of wisterias hanging from pine branches, bell flowers, chrysanthemums and pampa grass called susuki.

The floral motifs is arranged on paper fan shapes, as if they were painted with all these different plants and flowers. One of the fan is covered with a wave pattern and a flock of cranes.

Composition

Silk and lamé.

The background, a mix of off-white silk and gold lamé, is very shimmering and you can see some delicate details appear depending on how the light hits the fabric. Below is the same section of the fabric photographed under a different light for comparison.