This formal boy's miyamairi kimono  features a masterfully hand-painted scene that is both artistically sophisticated and symbolically rich. The artwork, which flows continuously across the back seams in the elegant eba-moyō style, depicts wild boars charging through a snowy landscape with bamboo and plum trees. The painterly and naturalistic style, with its dynamic brushwork and emphasis on capturing movement, is reminiscent of the Maruyama-Shijō school of painting, which blended traditional Japanese techniques with Western realism.

The choice of motifs conveys a powerful set of wishes for the infant boy's future. The wild boar (inoshishi), the last animal of the East Asian zodiac, is a potent symbol of courage, determination, and fearless forward momentum. It is complemented by the bamboo (take), which represents resilience, integrity, and strength, as it bends in the wind but does not break. Finally, the plum tree (ume), which blossoms in the cold of late winter, symbolizes perseverance, hope, and vitality in the face of adversity. Together, these elements form a collective prayer for the child to grow into a courageous, strong, and resilient man capable of overcoming any challenge.

It remains unlined and measures 32 inches (81 cm) from sleeve-end to sleeve-end, standing at 35 inches (89 cm) in height.

This artwork is featured on pages 284-287 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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