Flowers ~Life Circle~

Size

approx. 34cm x 24cm x 2cm (3 items)

Materials

silk (outside-layer) , wooden frame, cotton linen canvas (under-layer)

About this canvas

This canvas is crafted from three different haori fabrics, each adorned with a shibori dyeing flower motif going through entire fabric. These fabrics tell a story of a flower from the budding stage on the left, through full bloom, and finally to the withering stage on the right.

Period / Story

The haori used in this canvas were made and used in the late Showa period (1960-80ies).

Explanation and meaning of pattern and colors

Canvases on both sides are dyed in black, while the middle canvas is colored in a gentle vermilion hue.

The vermilion color is a vibrant shade of red with a slight yellowish tint. In the past, the finest red pigment was referred to as "vermilion." Vermilion holds a symbolic connotation as the color of authority, and it is said that when ancient tombs are excavated, vermilion is often found alongside the remains of nobility.

Beyond its historical significance, vermilion carries multiple meanings, such as the warmth of fire, the radiant sun, protection against malevolent forces, warding off misfortune, fostering the prosperity of offspring, and promoting fertility.

Characteristics of the fabric 

The fabrics in this canvases are all dyed using the tie-dyeing technique, known as "soshibori."

Soshibori has been practiced in Japan since the 6th to 7th century. In this technique, the cloth is meticulously bound using threads, boards, and other specialized tools to create areas where the dye cannot penetrate. After the entire cloth is dyed, the threads are carefully untied, leaving the tied areas untouched. This process results in a three-dimensional emergence of color, forming intricate patterns.

Due to the complicated nature of tie-dyeing, only a limited number of pieces, ranging from a few hundred to a few thousand, can be produced in a day. It is worth noting that the entire process can take several months to a year or even longer to complete, as more than 200,000 knots may be tied on a single kimono.

The "Kanoko shibori" applied to the entire haori fabric is a variety of so-called "fawn shibori", characterized by its resemblance to the spots on a young deer.

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.

The last pictures in the gallery are the pictures of the reverse side of the canvas, the attachments and the package.