This boy's ceremonial silk kimono, measuring 24 inches across the sleeves and 38 inches in height (60.96 cm x 96.52 cm), features unique yuzen-painted depictions inspired by the Japanese folktale of Kintaro. This tale revolves around Kintaro, a boy abandoned at birth and raised by a half-woman, half-spirit named Yamauba in the Ashigara mountains near Mount Fuji.

The central theme of this kimono's artwork draws inspiration from a woodblock print by Tsukioka Yoshitoshi titled 'Moon of Kintoki's Mountain,' part of the "One Hundred Aspects of the Moon" series. Yoshitoshi, a renowned late 19th-century Japanese printmaker, was famous for his intricate prints, and the imagery of Kintaro, a vegetable, a rabbit, and a wrestling match is akin to that in his print.

Although the depictions of Kintaro, the vegetable, and the rabbit bear a striking resemblance to Yoshitoshi's print, the monkey's face on the kimono differs, resembling a rat or another animal instead. Additionally, the scene on the kimono unfolds within a forest, diverging from the setting in the print. There's a possibility that Yoshitoshi was involved in designing this kimono, considering the complementary nature of the forest scenery and wrestling match imagery that resonates with Yoshitoshi's artistic style.

Given Yoshitoshi's passing in 1892, if he indeed contributed to the design, it would have likely occurred during the 1890-1892 timeframe. The rarity of garments with similar motifs, like item 2563, further accentuates the uniqueness of this kimono's design.

This artwork is featured on pages 288-291 of Ceremonial Textiles of Japan, 18th to 20th Centuries. This book, published by Yorke Antique Textiles, can be previewed or purchased on our website here.

The piece is also featured on page 92 of the summer 2018 edition of HALI magazine.

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