Japanese Textile Art

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DESCRIPTION: A young boy of noble standing wore this marvelous hand painted Silk Boy’s Kimono for Boys’ Day in Japan. It has been hand embroidered and hand painted using the “Rice Paste Resist” method, including liquid pure white gold paint. The varying shades of indigo in the background of this gorgeous Kimono are very unusual. These colors are derived from a naturally occurring clay called "Rokusho." This surrounding color blends beautifully with the hand painted Samurai helmet or "Kabuto," which, next to his sword, was the warrior's most valuable possession. The dominant feature of this helmet was the the Lion Dog or "Shi Shi," representing this warrior's personal totem and his desire to succeed in his protective duties. In smaller perspective are the other accouterments of a Samurai's wardrobe: The "Osode," which were the heavily decorated large upper arm guards on the right upper sleeve; the archery items, consisting of the Quiver or "Ebira" and Arrows or "Ya." These martial items are connected by an elaborate cord to the left sleeve with its musical instruments like the flute, which is one of Japan's oldest musical instruments and regarded as a symbol of the cultured man. Thus, the symbolism of this Kimono represents what the young boy's parent's envisioned for his future: strength, skill, power, and the high status belonging to a man of refinement.

The Family Crest, “Mon,” appears 5 times on the shoulders and back of the garment and indicates that it was to be worn for formal occasions. The Crest is that of Square or Nail Extractor, "Kuginuki" which coordinates with the symbolism of the Kimono. It was one of the most popular motifs among Japan's Samurai families because it projected an image of great power, especially because its alternative name, "Manryoku," stood for "thousand fold power." Only a young man of very high standing and wealth could have worn this Kimono.

COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: Japan

TYPE TEXTILE: Young Boy's Formal Kimono

APPROXIMATE DATE OR PERIOD: Taisho Era (1912-3 - 1926)

FABRIC CONTENT and CONDITION: An unusual crepe like Silk that has been hand dyed and painted in the Rice Paste Resist technique. This process required that each color be applied separately, while all the others were painted out in the rice paste. Each time a new color was added, the rice paste had to be removed by soaking it out over and over again in the local river water and then reapplied. The sophisticated Kimono is in excellent condition.

FINISHED SIZE: Typical size for a formal Boys Kimono approximates 34" across x 41" tall

PRESENTATION: Creates a brilliant wall hanging or framed textile art; or, for an extraordinary outing, to be worn

A Certificate of Authenticity is included.

PRICE: $950

TTAC will personally pack and ship via UPS at company expense within the continental U.S.