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Post by billwpepper on Jun 17, 2002 18:00:10 GMT -5
I just purchased this uchikake and would like to know a little more about it. Any help would be much appreciated! Updated link with more detailed pictures: 65.115.255.34/uchikake/index.html |
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Post by Kiyoaki on Jun 17, 2002 22:27:36 GMT -5
Dear Bill,
Generally speaking, I'd guess this uchikake is about 40-50 years old. The principal motif is bamboo and perhaps either conventionalized pine boughs or clouds of mist.
The motifs are executed in a compound weave with both gold and silver threads. It is worked in typicall Nishinjin style of weave.
The green and black/blue coloration is quite unusual. In all probability, this was intended for use as wedding dress. Pines and plum blossoms, when associated with bamboo make up a traditional combination that can signify the necesary virtues in marriage .
Bamboo may bend under the force of the wind or become overburdened with snow, but it always springs upright in the end. It embodies resilience.
The pine signifies longevity, because it can grow to very great age.
The plum tree and its' blossoms represented a number of things to the Japanese, but in the context of marriage it can best be said to signify "persistence", because the tree flowers in the harsh climate of winter.
It is uncertain whether all three elements are present. Perhas more detailed pictures would help to solve that question. If you have any specific questions, please feel free to ask.
Kiyoaki
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Post by Daikan on Jun 17, 2002 22:47:35 GMT -5
Dear Mr. Bill san This is Ichiro. Welcome to our board. We think your uchikake was made by same maker of this piece. www.ichiroya.com/uchikake/item1156-1.htm"Marusyo" is the name of the maker. Plese check. It has same Kanji mark. |
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Post by billwpepper on Jun 18, 2002 17:44:39 GMT -5
Thanks so much Kiyoaki...I just updated the link with some more detailed pictures. I really enjoy this Uchikake and plan to hang it up proudly on my wall. I hope there is some thing else special you can find in the photos, but at least I hope you can enjoy the beauty of this uchikake. Thanks Again!
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Post by Kiyoaki on Jun 18, 2002 19:50:20 GMT -5
Bill,
There are some pine needles scattered on the red clouds. You can see them just above the maker's signature and seal impression (between the blocks of gold and silver). That accounts for the second element of the triple motif of "pine, bamboo, & plum" [sho, chiku, bai].
The only suggestion of plum blossoms I can conceive, is the red color of the clouds. Although there is a red and a white variety of plum, the red is more often used on wedding garments because of the felicitious associations that color holds for Asian cultures.
The bamboo leaves are decorated with many different patterns of flowers and plants of the four seasons. Among others, I noticed chrysanthemums, maple leaves, stylized waves and turtle shell to name some. All of these motifs have added cultural significance that makes them appropriate for a wedding garment.
Kiyoaki
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