Cranes ~Kintsugi~

Size

73cm x  53cm x 5cm

Materials

silk (outside-layer) , wooden frame (under-layer), kimpaku golden foil

Story behind the work

The frame for this work is made of paulownia wood taken from antique Kiritansu - chest-of-drawers for kimono.

I use antique kiritansu that can’t be used as furniture anymore to create basis and frames for my works. It adds them even more authentic atmosphere of traditional wabisabi spirit. Can you feel it? 

The piece uses the concept of "kintsugi" - it "unites" the pieces of antique kimono back together with golden leaf to give it a second wind as art work.

Period / Story

The kimono used in this piece was originally crafted during the late Showa period (1960-80ies).

Explanation and meaning of pattern and colors

The Japanese saying goes, "A crane lives a thousand years, a tortoise lives ten thousand years," making cranes a symbol of longevity.

Cranes are also known for staying with the same partner for their entire lives, which is why they are often used at weddings and other celebrations to symbolize "marital bliss" and the desire for harmony between husband and wife.

On this particular piece, cranes are flying through snow woven on the fabric, as if they are overcoming all the disasters to get to their beloved ones.

The color scarlet, or deeply dyed red, used for the most of the cranes here, has long been associated with the meaning of "warding off evil." It is believed to possess the power to repel malevolent forces and invite good fortune.

During the Heian period (794-1185), scarlet was reserved for sacred buildings and ceremonial objects that held great significance. Ordinary people were prohibited from wearing scarlet-red kimonos, which made it a highly special color.

Characteristics of the fabric 

Cranes, going up and down, are generously decorated by kimpaku here. "Kimpaku" (金箔) refers to gold leaf/foil in Japanese. Gold leaf is a traditional material used in various aspects of Japanese culture, including art, crafts, and even in culinary applications.

In traditional Japanese art, gold leaf is often applied to religious objects, sculptures, paintings, and lacquerware to create a luxurious and decorative effect. The use of gold leaf in art dates back centuries and is associated with a sense of wealth, prestige, and the divine.

Traditional kimpaku technique is used here to make an accent decoration in the middle.

About the frame

This artwork frame is crafted from paulownia wood, a uniquely Japanese material closely tied to the world of kimonos, and it serves to convey the refined beauty of Japanese nature.

Paulownia wood is known as the lightest wood in Japan, prased for its natural luster, resistance to moisture, and resilience against cracking. Since ancient times, it has been used in crafting furniture, chests, and musical instruments.

Paulownia wood is closely linked to kimono culture. During the Edo period, it became customary to store cherished kimonos in paulownia chests, which offered fire resistance and protection from moisture and insects.

Traditionally, when a daughter was born, a paulownia tree would be planted. Upon her marriage, the tree would be cut down, and the wood would be used to craft a chest for her as a wedding gift.

Following the Ansei Earthquake during the late Edo period in 1855, paulownia chests gained popularity due to their ability to withstand fires and even float in water, thereby safeguarding their contents during floods.

Decoration Advice

Canvas can be displayed on a table, wall, etc. Hanging on a wall requires hooks, tacks or nails. It can also be displayed propped up on an easel. Ideal for a room makeover, housewarming gift, present, or souvenir for a loved one.

Precaution

All the works are made from real kimonos, antiques and vintages. For this reason, the fabric may have traces of long-term use and minor fabric damages. In case there are any scratches or stains, we always add a photo of the area on the item page, so please check before purchasing. Regarding precaution, cancellation and refund policy, please refer to the refund policy in the footer section of the site for information.