Kuro Rinzū Mofuku

This exceptionally rare mofuku (mourning kimono) is crafted from matte black rinzū silk—a luxurious damask weave seldom used for mourning attire. Traditionally, mofuku garments are completely plain, yet this piece subverts convention with its subtle raised geometric pattern: a faint diamond-lattice texture that adds quiet depth and a soft, restrained shimmer when touched by light.
At the chest and back, it bears the Maru ni Mokko crest—an elegant quatrefoil enclosed in a circle. The mokko motif is associated with protection, resilience, and continuity across generations, making its presence on a mourning kimono especially poignant.
The result is a minimalist silhouette elevated by extraordinary craftsmanship: solemn yet undeniably refined, understated yet richly textured. Its use of rinzū silk and formal crests suggests it once belonged to a family of high status during the late Taishō to early Shōwa era, when ceremonial garments were at their peak of artisanal excellence.
A truly uncommon and expressive piece for collectors who appreciate the quiet power of Japanese textile artistry.