Midnight Cranes

This exquisite full-length kurotomesode, traditionally worn by married women for the most formal occasions, is crafted from luxurious black chirimen silk with a beautifully weighted drape. Along the lower hem, a dramatic tsunagi (連) panel unfolds—an intricate composition of white tsuru (cranes) gliding above stylised seigaiha waves and kumogata clouds rendered in shimmering silver and pale purple.
The cranes, finely embroidered in white silk, symbolise longevity, fidelity, and good fortune. Their cascading flight along the jagged, cloud-like border creates a striking contrast against the matte black ground, highlighting the depth and movement of the design.
The kimono is marked with the Maru ni Maru-ni-Mitsuba-aoi kamon—the celebrated Tokugawa hollyhock crest, one of the most recognisable and historically significant crests in Japan. Associated with the Tokugawa shogunate, the ruling family of the Edo period (1603–1868), this crest became an enduring emblem of authority, prestige, and refined formal wear.
Handmade in the mid-Showa era (circa 1950s–1970s), this piece is a distinguished example of traditional artistry, ideal for collectors, stylists, and anyone seeking a kimono with cultural depth and timeless presence.