. . . "On this kimono, embroidered orange blossoms (tachibana) have been combined with paper ornaments in the shape of butterflies created using the shibori, or tie-dyeing, technique. Sometimes the entire motif is in shibori, sometimes just the outline. The two variations represent male and female butterflies. Such paper ornaments were wrapped around the mouths of sake bottles used at wedding receptions, symbolizing the harmony of the newly married couple. The auspicious design and the red colour of this kimono mean it was possibly worn by a bride on her wedding day. However, such a garment would have had long sleeves, suggesting this example was altered later."@en .