This listing is for a formal silk curtain called a hanayome or kaga noren. These were traditionally made by the bride's mother and hung in the groom's home; as the bride passes under it, she begins her new life. For more details of this Edo Period custom which recently has experienced a resurgence, visit the website. More contemporary versions, however, seem to have left the open panel noren design behind and are now simply single panel tapestries.
This hanayome resembles the flowing pattern and bright colors of a furisode kimono, which is the formal, long-sleeved kimono designed for a young unmarried woman. With no future opportunity to wear that kimono, perhaps a young bride asked her mother to convert it into a bridal curtain.
The silk red-orange behind a bright rainbow of colors that sweep up the center. We especially love the painted bubbles that give everything a light and airy feel.
The backside is a cream silk jacquard with a tatewaku pattern.
Hung by two tabbed loops at the top, with red tassels hung from the tabs.
