This listing is for a vintage Japanese boy's formal kimono, called a miyamairi. These ceremonial kimono typically have a dramatic design in the center and are framed across the top and bottom with a dark band of color. Family crests are typically stenciled across the top section. 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 video below for more about how these are worn at festivals.
This kimono features several unusual elements on the back that seem to suggest the theater. A large folding fan decorated with a crane, a decorative gift box, and two musical instruments - a sho which is a style of bamboo flute used in imperial court music, and a pan flute of bamboo.
On the front of the kimono is a shakuhachi style flute. Several sets of three tortoise shells, each filled with a flower and applied with gold leaf. Couching embroidery on the box and gold embellishment thorughout.
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 motif is oak leaf wit arabesque curls.
Unfortunately, there are a few small, scattered blemishes on the front - see last photo.
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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