This silk miyamairi kimono for a boy's first shrine visit presents a dynamic aquatic scene centered on the auspicious leaping koi (carp) motif. The composition captures a moment of dramatic action: a large silvery-gray carp bursts upward from stylized waters, its body arching powerfully as it ascends, while a second, smaller fish dives downward near bamboo fronds below, creating complementary movement within the scene.
The design unfolds across three tonal zones framed by scalloped kasumi (mist) edges. Deep black silk at the shoulders and hem anchors the composition, while the central passage transitions from cream through soft blue-gray waters rendered with elegant concentric ripple lines. The primary carp is painted with naturalistic precision—its scales, fins, and determined expression carefully delineated—with gold foil accents adding luminous highlights that suggest the fish's wet, gleaming surface.
Pine branches with characteristic needle clusters in olive-green extend across the middle ground, their reddish-brown bark providing warm contrast. Three white family crests (mon) in circular janome style mark the shoulders and back. At the hem, stylized waves with white foam dots emerge from the black ground, connecting the lower register to the watery scene above.
The leaping carp symbolizes perseverance, ambition, and success—referencing the legend of koi swimming upstream to transform into dragons. Combined with evergreen pine representing longevity, this imagery expresses profound hopes that the child will overcome obstacles and achieve greatness throughout a long, prosperous life.
Its measurements are 36 inches (91 cm) from sleeve-end to sleeve-end and stands 40 inches (102 cm) tall.