This "miyamairi" kimono, made of fine sheer summer silk known as 'ro,' was used in the Shinto Shrine ceremony for one-month-old baby boys. Alongside this kimono, there's a plain 'ro' silk inner juban. The captivating ocean scene depicted on the kimono showcases numerous flying seagulls, a rare and symbolic motif. In Shintoism, the white seagull is perceived as particularly spiritual, closely connected to the divine ('kami') in nature. Notably, the Kabushima Shrine in Hachinohe district serves as a sanctuary for approximately forty thousand seagulls. Hachinohe is situated on the east coast of Aomori prefecture, bordered by the Pacific Ocean. This special garment measures 32 inches by 37 inches (81 cm x 94 cm).

This artwork is featured on pages 224-225 of Ceremonial Textiles of Japan, 18th to 20th Centuries. This book, published by Yorke Antique Textiles, can be previewed or purchased on our website here.

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