This vibrant girls' kimono features an exuberant interplay between large-scale pink and white peonies and stylized shishi lions, creating a dynamic pattern that fills the entire surface with celebratory abundance. The peonies, known as "botan" in Japanese culture, symbolize honor, wealth, and feminine beauty, making them particularly appropriate for a young girl's garment. Their full-blown blooms are rendered with multiple tonal variations from pale pink to deep rose, demonstrating the sophisticated color printing techniques that had developed by this period. The rich burgundy ground provides dramatic contrast while allowing the floral motifs to appear almost luminous against the dark background.
The shishi lions, visible in the detail image with their characteristic swirling manes and fierce expressions, reference ancient protective legends where these mythical creatures guard sacred spaces and ward off evil spirits. Traditionally associated with Buddhist temple architecture and Noh theater, the shishi motif on children's clothing serves as a protective talisman, ensuring the young wearer's safety and prosperity. The artistic treatment shows influence from both classical Japanese decorative arts and the more naturalistic rendering styles that became popular during the Meiji period's engagement with Western artistic techniques. The padded crepe silk construction would have provided warmth while allowing the printed design to display its full vibrancy, creating a garment that embodied both practical function and auspicious symbolism for a child's wellbeing.
Its measurements are 29 inches (74 cm) from sleeve-end to sleeve-end and 28 inches (71 cm) in height.