Japanese Meiji, Japan

Flying cranes together with the image of Mt. Fuji make this kimono appropriate for New Year’s wear. The sacred crane is Japan’s prevalent symbol of longevity, because in both Chinese and Japanese legend, the crane is believed to live for thousands of years. At the bottom of the kimono stands an egret among the golden reeds and water. An egret is a type of heron: these birds are a more recent subject in Japanese textile design.

Furisode is the term for a kimono with very long sleeves that is usually reserved for formal or ceremonial wear, such as for a wedding.