This boy’s miyamairi kimono is a powerful example of mid-century celebratory attire, specifically designed for a male infant’s visit to a Shinto shrine. The garment is crafted from a deep black silk, which serves as a formal, high-contrast backdrop for a dramatic central composition of samurai imagery. At the heart of the design is a large, meticulously machine-embroidered kabuto (samurai helmet), rendered in shimmering gold and silver threads with vibrant orange accents.
The helmet is flanked by crossed arrows (ya) and several bold, auspicious family crests (mon), including a paulownia (kiri) and a stylized bamboo circle, all executed in brilliant metallic embroidery. Symbolically, the kabuto and arrows represent the parents' wishes for the boy to grow up with strength, bravery, and protection. The presence of three white circular mon across the shoulders further emphasizes the formal and ceremonial status of the piece. This kimono reflects the post-war Showa era's ability to blend traditional warrior symbolism with the precision and luster of modern machine embroidery techniques.
It remains in very good condition. It measures 35 inches along the sleeves and stands at 37 inches tall.