Green silk kimono bolster cushion with large embroidered silver crane and blossom branches, crafted from vintage Japanese silk

Green Bolster Cushion -Silver Crane Vintage Kimono Silk

£240.00
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Green silk kimono bolster cushion with large embroidered silver crane and blossom branches, crafted from vintage Japanese silk

Green Bolster Cushion -Silver Crane Vintage Kimono Silk

  • Unique piece. Edition of 1
  • c.1970s Uchikake bridal kimono silk
  • Silver Tsuru crane over Shochikubai (Three Friends of Winter)
£240.00

Shipping calculated at checkout | 30 Day Returns

A single crane (Tsuru) commands the full length of this long silk bolster cushion, worked in pale silver thread so heavily it stands proud of the surface: dense, dimensional, catching the light as it shifts. Beneath it, the acid green ground silk is woven with the Shochikubai in gold thread: pine, plum blossom and bamboo, the Three Friends of Winter. At the corner, bamboo leaves creep into the embroidery too. The same story told once in gold thread beneath and once again in silver above.

Winter symbols rendered in gently shimmering silver, calm and still. And beneath it all, that acid green hints at the coming freshness and renewal of spring.

Details
  • Dimensions: 90cm x 30cm / 35.5" x 12" approx.
  • Vintage Textile: Uchikake kimono silk, acid green ground woven with Shochikubai (pine, plum blossom and bamboo) in gold thread, with heavy silver embroidery of Tsuru crane
  • Reverse Textile: Snowdrift hammered satin
  • Construction: Cotton lined with concealed zip at base for easy pad removal
  • Includes: Cover only. Insert not included
  • Edition: Limited edition of 1
  • Age: c.1970s, Mid-Shōwa period
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.

What does the plum blossom symbol on this piece mean?

Ume (梅)

The plum blossom motif represents longevity, renewal and perseverance.

The first flower to bloom in the spring, identified by its round petals.

Also known as the ‘Flower of Peace’, it is known as a protective charm against evil.

Plum blossom motif on Japanese kimono silk textile (Ume)
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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