Pair flying cranes on red silk, vintage Japanese kimono cushion made from uchikake silk by Kimono Living

Flying Cranes (Tsuru) Vintage Japanese Uchikake Silk Cushion Cover – 12 inch Square

£95.00
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Pair flying cranes on red silk, vintage Japanese kimono cushion made from uchikake silk by Kimono Living
  • Pair flying cranes on red silk, vintage Japanese kimono cushion made from uchikake silk by Kimono Living
  • Close-up of cranes and metallic gold thread on a vintage Japanese uchikake silk cushion cover.
  • square cushion reverse in hammered gold satin
  • close up of corner of square cushion in vintage kimono silk, crane and floral embroidery, gold satin reverse
  • Pair flying cranes on red silk, vintage Japanese kimono cushion made from uchikake silk by Kimono Living
  • Close-up of cranes and metallic gold thread on a vintage Japanese uchikake silk cushion cover.
  • square cushion reverse in hammered gold satin
  • close up of corner of square cushion in vintage kimono silk, crane and floral embroidery, gold satin reverse
Flying Cranes (Tsuru) Vintage Japanese Uchikake Silk Cushion Cover – 12 inch Square

Flying Cranes (Tsuru) Vintage Japanese Uchikake Silk Cushion Cover – 12 inch Square

  • Unique piece. Edition of 1
  • c. 1970s Uchikake wedding kimono silk
£95.00

Shipping calculated at checkout | 30 Day Returns

A pair of cranes arc through the sky, side by side, in this square silk cushion cover cut from a mid-Shōwa period Uchikake (a formal Japanese wedding kimono). In Japanese tradition, a pair of cranes (Tsuru) symbolises longevity and a lasting union. Against a deep red silk ground, they dive through a riot of blossoms and flowers, colour and movement.
Details
  • Dimensions: 31cm x 31cm / 12 inch square approx.
  • Vintage Silk Textile: Uchikake wedding kimono, deep red ground with flying cranes, cherry blossom, chrysanthemum and peony
  • Reverse Textile: Hammered gold satin
  • Construction: Cotton lined with concealed zip at base
  • Includes: Cover only. Insert not included
  • Edition: Limited edition of 1
  • 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)
Cherry blossom motif on vintage Japanese silk textile (Sakura)

What does the cherry blossom symbol on this piece mean?

Sakura (桜)

The cherry blossom motif symbolises new beginnings.

With its distinctive notched petals, this flower blooms only briefly and is very fragile.

Also represents renewal in early spring, beauty and the transience of life.

What does the peony symbol on this piece mean?

Botan (牡丹)

The peony represents good fortune (wealth), high honour (nobility) and ageless beauty.

Known as the ‘King of the Flowers’.

Its lavish layered petals represent abundance, making it a cherished motif on celebratory kimono and formal Japanese textiles.
Peony flower motif on vintage Japanese silk textile (Botan)
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.

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