Orange silk kimono bolster cushion with white cranes and autumn maple leaves, crafted from vintage Japanese silk

Colourful Bolster Pillow -Repurposed Kimono Silk Cranes on Blue Velvet

£240.00
Skip to product information
Orange silk kimono bolster cushion with white cranes and autumn maple leaves, crafted from vintage Japanese silk
  • Orange silk kimono bolster cushion with white cranes and autumn maple leaves, crafted from vintage Japanese silk
  • Close up detail of uchikake kimono bolster cushion with bronze pattern, orange diamond pattern and a crane
  • Crane detail on a multicolour vintage kimono silk bolster cushion by Kimono Living.
  • Colorful long bolster pillow made from repurposed Kimono silk. Orange base with white cranes and colourful pine. Uchikake bolster cushion
  • Reverse of the long bolster cushion in turquoise blue velvet.
  • Orange silk kimono bolster cushion with white cranes and autumn maple leaves, crafted from vintage Japanese silk
  • Close up detail of uchikake kimono bolster cushion with bronze pattern, orange diamond pattern and a crane
  • Crane detail on a multicolour vintage kimono silk bolster cushion by Kimono Living.
  • Colorful long bolster pillow made from repurposed Kimono silk. Orange base with white cranes and colourful pine. Uchikake bolster cushion
  • Reverse of the long bolster cushion in turquoise blue velvet.
Colourful Bolster Pillow -Repurposed Kimono Silk Cranes on Blue Velvet

Colourful Bolster Pillow -Repurposed Kimono Silk Cranes on Blue Velvet

  • Vintage Japanese Uchikake wedding kimono silk
  • Mid-Shōwa period, c.1970s
  • Rare Shiki-e 'All Seasons' motifs
£240.00

Shipping calculated at checkout | 30 Day Returns

This silk bolster cushion is made from a vintage Japanese Uchikake, a heavily embroidered ceremonial wedding kimono worn over the bridal attire. Across its burnt orange and gold ground, two great cranes soar in white silk embroidery, wings fully spread, surrounded by a riot of seasonal motifs: pine in deep greens and blues, maple leaves in red and yellow, plum blossom in soft pinks, and arcs of burnished bronze karakusa (the continuous vine scroll that has symbolised growth, longevity and family continuity in Japan for centuries). The reverse is a teal blue velvet, chosen to echo the blue pine motifs woven into the ground. This is shiki-e, the Japanese tradition of depicting all four seasons simultaneously, a blessing for a long, full and abundant life. Originally woven for a bride on her wedding day, now remade to carry that same auspicious energy into your home.
Details
  • Dimensions: 92cm x 31cm / 36.5" x 12.5" approx.
  • Vintage Textile: Japanese Uchikake wedding kimono silk with flying cranes, pine, maple, plum blossom motifs on a burnt orange and gold ground
  • Reverse Textile: Teal blue velvet
  • Construction: Cotton lined with concealed zip at base for easy pad removal
  • Includes: Cover only. Insert not included
  • Edition: Limited edition of 6
  • Age: Mid-Shōwa period, c.1970s
Returns

If your piece isn’t right, you’re welcome to return it within 30 days of delivery for a refund.

To be eligible, returns should be:

• unused and in original condition

• in original packaging
 where possible
• accompanied by proof of purchase

• sent using a tracked service

To arrange a return, please contact us via our Contact Form with your order number.

For change-of-mind returns, the item cost and standard outbound shipping will be refunded. Return postage is the customer’s responsibility.

If your item arrives faulty or incorrect, all delivery costs will be refunded.

As returns remain your responsibility until received, we recommend using a fully insured tracked service.
Shipping

All pieces are carefully packaged and dispatched from our London studio (UK).
Orders are sent using tracked and insured services.

• Dispatch time: 1–2 business days

• UK delivery: 2–3 business days

• USA & Canada: 5–8 business days

• Australia & New Zealand: 6–8 business days

• Europe & Rest of World: 6–10 business days

Shipping rates are calculated at checkout.

US orders include duties and taxes.

Other international customers may be responsible for local customs charges.
Ethical Production

Each piece is handmade in our UK studio as part of a considered approach to making, using carefully sourced vintage Japanese silks.

• Genuine vintage kimono silks, including kimono, obi and uchikake textiles, dating from the 1930s onwards

• Sourced in Japan for their craftsmanship, character, and history

• Repurposed and reimagined for contemporary interiors

• Limited in number — once gone, it cannot be repeated

Each piece begins a new chapter for a textile that has already lived one life.

Packaging is fully recyclable, with materials chosen to reduce environmental impact wherever possible.
Care

Your vintage silk piece is made from delicate materials and should be handled with care:

• Keep away from direct sunlight to preserve colour

• Reshape gently after use to maintain form

• Store in a cool, dry place when not in use

• Do not machine wash or tumble dry

• Professional cleaning by a specialist is recommended

Made from authentic vintage Japanese silk, each piece may show gentle signs of age. This is part of its character and history.

What does the crane symbol on this piece mean?

Tsuru (鶴)

The crane motif represents longevity and good fortune in traditional Japanese textiles.

Cranes are believed to live for a thousand years and inhabit the land of the immortals.

Pairs of cranes represent a happy marriage and are often found on wedding kimono known as uchikake.
Crane motif on Japanese silk textile with gold woven background (Tsuru)
Pine tree motif on vintage Japanese silk textile (Matsu)

What does the pine tree symbol on this piece mean?

Matsu (松)

The pine motif symbolises longevity, steadfastness and wisdom in age.

Evergreen through winter, pine also represents resilience and enduring strength. Pine is also one of the Three Friends of Winter, alongside bamboo and plum blossom, symbols admired for remaining strong and beautiful during the cold season.

Sometimes shown through the traditional pine bark diamond pattern (matsukawabishi), inspired by the textured bark of ancient pine trees.

Mid Showa period Japanese textile era, c.1950s–1960s, featured in Kimono Living vintage silk pieces

Mid-Shōwa Period

The Shōwa era spanned 1926 to 1989, its name meaning 'enlightened peace' — a period of extraordinary contrast, from wartime turbulence to postwar renaissance. Many of our textiles date from the heart of this era.

Uchikake: traditional Japanese bridal kimono textile used in Kimono Living silk cushions and throws

The Uchikake

The uchikake (打掛, "to drape over") is the most ceremonial of all Japanese garments, a heavily embroidered outer robe worn by the bride on her wedding day, representing the pinnacle of the silk weaver's art.

This piece is made from an uchikake, carrying with it the beauty and significance of one of Japan's most treasured traditions.

Style with

Explore more