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This miyamairi kimono's design centers on a spectacular treasure ship (takarabune) motif, rendered in rich earth tones and soft pastels against a dramatic navy background, creating a composition that balances classical Japanese aesthetics with the period's refined artistic sensibilities.
The central imagery is deeply symbolic and auspicious, featuring traditional musical instruments that hold profound cultural significance in Japanese ceremony and folklore. The kaendaiko (flame drum) with its ornate decorative patterns represents the rhythmic heartbeat of celebration and spiritual communion, while the tsuzumi hand drums evoke the sacred sounds that bridge the earthly and divine realms. The shou flute, with its delicate construction visible in the detailed rendering, symbolizes the breath of life and harmony. These instruments, often associated with gagaku court music and religious ceremonies, make this kimono particularly appropriate for a Shinto shrine blessing.
The composition is further enriched by the presence of cranes in flight, their white forms creating dynamic movement across the upper portion of the garment. In Japanese symbolism, cranes represent longevity, good fortune, and spiritual transcendence—making them ideal motifs for a ceremonial garment blessing a child's future. The stylized waves beneath the treasure ship, rendered in the characteristic manner of traditional Japanese art, suggest the flow of time and the journey of life, while the phoenix head detail adds another layer of auspicious meaning, symbolizing rebirth and imperial grace. The overall aesthetic recalls elements of the Rinpa school's decorative approach, with its bold compositional arrangements and sophisticated color harmonies.
Measuring 33 inches (84 cm) from sleeve-end to sleeve-end and standing at 41 inches (104 cm) in height