This exceptional silk miyamairi kimono was used for the christening of a baby boy during a Shinto ceremony, adorned with artistically rendered carp navigating a frothing sea. It showcases yuzen and bokashi painting techniques, complemented by metallic and silk embroidery highlights. Notably, the small black objects in the ocean consist of tiny sections of metallic embroidery. Additionally, it includes a white inner kimono suitable for winter wear. The measurements are 33 inches (84 cm) from sleeve-end to sleeve-end and 40 inches (102 cm) in height.

The wild carp holds symbolic significance in Japanese culture, representing courage and strength derived from their continuous battle against turbulent waters. This motif traditionally embodies the virtues of a determined warrior and, in contemporary times, serves as a metaphor for desirable qualities in young males. The depiction of carp in turbulent waters is a popular theme in miyamairi boy's kimonos, reflecting parents' aspirations for their sons to possess the resilience, determination, and strength akin to the wild carp.

While this theme is common, this particular kimono stands out as one of the best. Its artistry is superb, characterized by dynamic, blue-shaded frothy waves and exquisitely yuzen-painted carp, finely shaded and adorned with magnificent silk and metallic embroidery highlights. Notably, the seamless continuation of the scene from the main body section to the sleeves, a customary feature in miyamairi kimonos, attains exceptional seamlessness in this example, allowing the kimono's 'canvas' to achieve its maximum artistic potential.

This artwork is featured on pages 312-315 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.

The piece is also featured on page 90 of the summer 2018 edition of HALI magazine.

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