The art on this gauze silk summer child's ceremonial miyamairi kimono, features a striking contrast with solid black silk panels at the shoulders and hem adorned with white circular family crests (mon) symbolizing lineage and heritage, while the central body displays a beige ground woven in a intricate kikko (tortoise shell) hexagonal lattice pattern that evokes longevity, good fortune, and protection—drawing from the auspicious symbolism of the tortoise as a creature of enduring life and stability in Japanese tradition, often used in ceremonial garments to bestow wishes of health and prosperity upon the infant during their first Shinto shrine visit. Overlaid on this geometric base are scattered circular medallions enclosing stylized floral motifs in vibrant hues of red, blue, green, and brown—resembling peonies for prosperity and honor, chrysanthemums for rejuvenation and imperial nobility, and possibly plum blossoms for perseverance and early spring renewal—all common auspicious elements in miyamairi designs meant to invoke blessings of strength, wisdom, and harmonious growth for the child, blending traditional folklore with the garment's lightweight, breathable gauze weave suited for warm-weather rituals. This composition reflects the Taisho era's modernist flair, incorporating Art Deco influences through its bold geometric kikko framework and abstract, stylized florals that merge Japanese wagara patterns with Western-inspired eclecticism, embodying the period's cultural fusion of tradition and innovation in textile arts amid rapid societal changes.

Measuring 33 inches (84 cm) from sleeve-end to sleeve-end and standing at a height of 40 inches (102 cm).

This artwork is featured on page 424 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.

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