Furisode. Early to mid-Meiji period (1868-1900), Japan. A large chirimen (crepe) silk furisode featuring a sublime representation of elegant flying cranes over a frothy, rock-bashed sea edge. Yuzen-dyeing, sumi-e painting and embroidery highlights, as well as masterful ‘bokashi’ (graduated shading) between the edge of the dark background and the energized coastal scene. Five family crests (mon). The Kimono Gallery