Image of Gallery in South Kensington
Not currently on display at the V&A
On short term loan out for exhibition

Kimono

1980-2000 (made)
Place of origin

The traditional Japanese wedding ceremony takes place in a Shinto shrine. The bride wears a white under-kimono and heavy white outer-kimono known as a shiromuku. Before joining her family and friends for the reception, the bride exchanges the white outer-kimono for an elaborate and brightly-coloured one. This example is decorated with a design of cranes, symbols of longevity, flying over a landscape of gold, blue and green flowers on a bright red ground.


Object details

Categories
Object type
Materials and techniques
Brocade silk
Brief description
Red silk wedding kimono, Japan, 1980-2000
Physical description
Red silk wedding outer kimono (uchikake) of brocade silk (nishiki). The garment is woven with a design of flying cranes and gold, blue and green flowers. It has a red silk lining, and a heavily padded hem.
Dimensions
  • Length: 173cm
  • Width: 134.5cm
Gallery label
Outer-kimono (uchikake) are now only worn by brides. This elaborate example is decorated with cranes, an auspicious motif that symbolises longevity. The tradition of changing outfits during the wedding continues, with red kimono being worn after the ceremony. Today the ‘colour alteration’ custom can also include a western-style wedding dress, a popular choice with contemporary brides for their final reception outfit. (29/02/2020)
Credit line
Given by Moe Co. Ltd.
Subjects depicted
Summary
The traditional Japanese wedding ceremony takes place in a Shinto shrine. The bride wears a white under-kimono and heavy white outer-kimono known as a shiromuku. Before joining her family and friends for the reception, the bride exchanges the white outer-kimono for an elaborate and brightly-coloured one. This example is decorated with a design of cranes, symbols of longevity, flying over a landscape of gold, blue and green flowers on a bright red ground.
Collection
Accession number
FE.153-2002

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Record createdAugust 1, 2006
Record URL
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