This is a vintage Japanese boy's formal kimono, called a miyamairi. These ceremonial kimono typically have dark bands at the top and hem, with a dramatic design in the center, light-colored section, along with up to five family crests. This style of kimono makes a beautiful display and though they are wearable, they are not play clothes and are not likely to survive the play life of an active child! See below for more about how these are worn.
This kimono scene looks like a beach scene to us, with a sandy beach and auspicious elements (sacred gems, scrolls of wisdom, weights of measure) scattered like seashells.
The central focus is a kabuto - samurai helmet - with its dragon on top and elaborately decorated armor plates. The helmet sits next to an ocean of blue waves, and above it are pine boughs (symbols of endurance). One large crane on each sleeve balances the design.
An unusual element appears at the top - a castle resting on an egg shape that includes another sacred gem and the handles of a magic mallet. Satin stitch embroidery embellishes several of the images.
There are five family crests, indicating that this is the highest level of formality and would be worn to an event where the child represents the family. The crest is katabami (wood sorrel).
Miyamairi have two main purposes. First, it is a ceremonial garment draped over an infant boy for his first visit to the shrine with his parents and grandparents to thank the gods for safe delivery of the child and pray for blessings. The kimono is wrapped around the baby and the long silk bands are tied behind the mom or grandmother who holds the baby during the ceremony. Secondly, miyamairi are worn for the Shichi-Go-San festival, when the boy is five years old and goes again to the shrine to pray for his and his family's good fortune. (See video below on the Shichi-Go-San Festival day for one young family in Japan.).
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