★ HANDWOVEN in Kyoto - vintage japanese wool kimono fabric - sold by the yard - KYO KASURI - SHOCHIKUBAI ★
 
SHOCHIKUBAI - Three Friends of Winter - an art motif that comprises pine, bamboo, and plum. They are particularly associated with the start of the New Year, sometimes also used as a three-tier ranking system; in this context, pine is usually the highest rank, followed by bamboo as the middle rank, and plum as the lowest. 
 
Pine represents strength, bamboo represents longevity, and plum represents beauty and optimism. Together they symbolize steadfastness, perseverance, and resilience. 
 
KASURI - fabric woven with fibers dyed specifically to create patterns and images in the fabric. It's a form of ikat dyeing, characterized by their blurred or brushed appearance.