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 a magnificent white hawk - they are usually browns! - circling above a Japanese castle with fine details painted in gold. The scene is flanted by Mt. Fuji on one side and what might be pine (but looks a bit like chestnuts) on the other. Look closely to appreciate the gold embellishments on the hawk and the castle.
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. Of special note is this particular family crest - a crane with open wings - it is not a common crest in our experience. On the front are more mountains and pine trees.
Unfortunately, there is some discoloration, see last photo, but it is light and not distracting from the amazing art of this kimono as a display piece.
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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