This summer ro silk miyamairi kimono exemplifies the refined aesthetic of Meiji period ceremonial infant wear, designed specifically for a baby boy's Shinto christening ceremony. The garment's striking composition employs a bold contrast between deep black silk in the upper and lower sections and a pristine white central band that serves as the primary canvas for artistic expression. The design features two masterfully executed carp rendered in the classical sumi-e ink painting tradition, their forms defined by subtle gradations of gray wash and precise brushwork that captures the essence of these powerful fish in motion through water.
The carp motifs carry profound symbolic significance in Japanese culture, representing perseverance, strength, and the aspiration for success - particularly appropriate for a young boy as they evoke the legend of carp swimming upstream to become dragons. The artistic treatment reflects the influence of traditional Japanese painting schools, particularly the naturalistic approach of the Maruyama-Shijo school, while the sparse composition demonstrates the aesthetic principle of ma (negative space) that allows each element to breathe and command attention. Delicate embroidery highlights enhance certain details of the carp, adding textural depth to the otherwise monochromatic palette. The ro weave structure, with its open, gauze-like quality, makes this garment particularly suited for summer ceremonies, while the formal black areas decorated with subtle family crests (mon) emphasize the ceremonial importance of this precious garment in marking a child's spiritual introduction to the world.
It measures 33 inches (84 cm) from sleeve-end to sleeve-end and stands at 40 inches (102 cm) in height.