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 waves crashing against the rocks with cranes sweeping above. The background seems like dawn, with its hazy cream and brown dye work. The cranes are the traditional white and black with red crowns. Look closely to see the embroidery embellishments of their red crested heads.
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 crests are three encircled tea berry or chanomi which is similar in design to the tachibana crests.
This kimono has a large tuck at the waist and a smaller one at the shoulders, which is how it would have been adjusted to fit a small child. This tuck can be easily released to reveal more of the waves underneath the cranes or can be left as-is if a square display shape is preferred.
This kimono is slightly padded for additional warmth. Unfortunately, there is some mottling and a large blemish on the front which of course would not be seen if displayed from the back. See last photos. Priced accordingly.
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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