Man's Silk Kimono: Olive Lantern, Deer, & Maple Leaves

This man’s lined silk kimono is a sophisticated example of mid-century textile design, featuring bold, silkscreened motifs against a deep olive-brown ground. The composition is anchored by a large, stylized hanging lantern (chochin) and vibrant white maple leaves (momiji), which cascade down the center. A horizontal band of Japanese calligraphy provides a literary element, likely referencing classical poetry, while a running deer (shika) at the hem adds a sense of natural grace and movement.

Symbolically, the maple leaves celebrate the fleeting beauty of autumn, a core theme in Japanese aesthetics. The lantern evokes the atmosphere of traditional festivals and the guiding light of hospitality. The deer is a revered symbol of longevity and is often associated with the sacred messengers of Nara’s shrines. By employing silkscreening, the artist achieved crisp, graphic lines and a modern, painterly quality that diverges from traditional hand-painting while maintaining cultural resonance. The interplay of the dark, earthy base with the stark white and gold-toned accents creates a powerful masculine aesthetic that balances refined tradition with the bold spirit of its era.

It measures 50 inches (127 cm) from sleeve-end to sleeve-end and stands at a height of 54 inches (137 cm).

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