Kimono is a word synonymous with the Japanese culture. Its history is fascinating. The family crest dates back to the eleventh century when courtiers used elegant designs for formal costumes worn at the Imperial court. The crests were on the center back and later added to the sleeves and front of kimonos and haori. This design captures the richness and elegance of the gold crest and the myriad of forms used to depict the Chrysanthemum. Choice of black or white silk.
Here is a version of the design stitched on white silk by Rena Gordon, a Japanese embroidery student since 1990 and now Japanese embroidery teacher at the Callaway School of Needle Arts. Another version, stitched by Pat Boehne a Japanese embroidery student since 1999, has a white silk ground with a black foundation for the left robe.