deviant art

Deviant Login Shop  Join deviantART for FREE Take the Tour
[x]
Shop Similar Prints
This Print Not Available
more ▶

More from ~Kurokami-Kanzashi

Featured in Groups:

Details

October 6, 2009
251 KB
348×500
Thumb

Statistics

Comments: 3
Favourites: 7 [who?]

Views: 360 (0 today)
[x]
:iconkurokami-kanzashi:
Here I have new item to add to my collection of women's kimono with dragon motifs on them.

This is a beautiful taisho era (1912-1925) maru obi. The dragon is woven in beautiful gold threads. You'll notice that the dragon appears to have fin like wings. This is because traditionally dragons are water spirits. It was believed that a dragon began its life in the water. As it grew it would become more snake like and eventually ascend to the sky to become a celestial dragon. So this obi depicts a young dragon.
:iconrealityhelix:
~realityhelix Oct 6, 2009  Hobbyist Traditional Artist
Wasn't it that they started as seahorses? Or was it snakes? I can't remember now. Is it odd for a dragon to be on a ladies kimono?
Reply
:iconkurokami-kanzashi:
Yes, I believe they start out as seahorses - though I can't remember for sure. Dragon motifs are a little uncommon on women's kimono because dragons are a symbol of masculine power and liveliness. So they're considered to be a manly motif. It's said that it takes a special kind of woman to wear a dragon.
Reply
:iconrealityhelix:
~realityhelix Oct 7, 2009  Hobbyist Traditional Artist
I see.
Reply
Add a Comment: