This is a fabulous vintage Japanese uchikake/wedding kimono/robe/coat, made of sophisticated oyster silk fabric, with a spectacular design of embroidered phoenix birds (houou), wisteria and peonies (botan).
In Japan, the phoenix is the symbol of the Imperial household, particularly the Empress. This mythical bird represents fire, the sun, justice, obedience and fidelity. It is also the symbol of peace.
Wisteria is a symbol of romance, and great and enduring love. Peony is a symbol of nobility, good fortune and wealth.
Uchikake is a type of kimono for a bride to wear. It is the top layer of the bridal costume, worn over the other layers of kimono. The shiromuku (white/purity) uchikake is part of a traditional Shinto wedding costume, and would be worn over a white kimono and white obi. It can also be oyster or off white or cream, and sometimes has embroidery in other colours, but the one I have for sale is all oyster. The colour is difficult to capture on photos, but is very beautiful.
It is a rare privilege to own an item such as this. Japanese brides pay hundreds of pounds just to HIRE an uchikake for their wedding day. I have included a couple of photos of a traditional shiromuku wedding outfit for reference.
This kimono would be perfect as traditional dress, as a glamorous coat, or as a theatre costume. Or imagine making a grand entrance into the church or reception venue, wearing this over your wedding dress!
It would also look wonderful hung on a wall for display, or for interior design. Simply thread a pole through the sleeves and hang on a hook.
Fully lined in synthetic fabric. The bottom hem is padded inside with cotton wadding, so that it hangs well and trails on the floor behind the wearer. The fabric cover to protect the padded hem is in situ and should be removed before use. Please note that the yellowish line along the padded hem in the photos is a shadow, not a mark!!
I am told that this uchikake took 3 months to make and would originally have cost many thousands of dollars.
In excellent vintage condition. No marks, flaws or damage, which is rare in a used uchikake.
Traditional kimono styling, with square shaped, very long sleeves and a wrap front, which makes the fit very adaptable. One size, and would fit most ladies, certainly up to a size 14/16, depending on how many layers of clothing/kimono, you wish to wear under it.
Sleeves of this length are considered to be 'sexy', and are therefore restricted to single girls and brides. Married ladies wear much shorter sleeves.
Uchikake are meant to trail on the ground like the train of a wedding dress, if you wish to wear it in the traditional manner. This is a very long garment.
Sleeve to sleeve width 135cm 53" Shoulder to shoulder 66cm 26" Length 185cm 73" Sleeve length 105cm 41" hem circumference 151cm 59" Weight approx. 3500 grams All measurements are approximate.
Vintage items do not have care or fabric content labels. All information is given in good faith.
As this is a heavy and bulky item, I will be sending it out in the UK by courier, this method will be tracked & insured. If you prefer, you can inspect and collect the item from me (cash on collection only).
Smoke and pet free home. No returns. Paypal only. Thank you.