This remarkable ceremonial kimono presents a captivating narrative scene drawn from Japanese folklore, specifically the beloved tale of Kintaro (Golden Boy), rendered in the sophisticated yuzen dyeing technique characteristic of late Meiji period textile artistry. The composition unfolds as a continuous landscape across the garment, with a dramatic contrast between the deep black upper portion representing the forest canopy and the luminous lower section depicting a pastoral clearing where the legendary wrestling match takes place. The central figure of Kintaro, portrayed as a robust child with his characteristic checkered fundoshi (loincloth), oversees the famous contest between forest animals - here a rabbit and what appears to be a small mammalian creature, possibly representing the monkey from the original tale but interpreted with artistic license.

The artwork demonstrates clear influence from the ukiyo-e tradition, particularly echoing the compositional and stylistic elements found in Tsukioka Yoshitoshi's contemporaneous woodblock prints from his "One Hundred Aspects of the Moon" series. The sophisticated use of graduated color transitions from the dark forest shadows to the bright clearing, the naturalistic rendering of the landscape elements including the gnarled tree branches and distant mountains, and the expressive characterization of both human and animal figures all reflect the late 19th-century synthesis of traditional Japanese narrative art with emerging naturalistic approaches. The symbolic significance of this tale - representing the triumph of natural virtue and the harmony between humanity and nature - made it particularly appropriate for boys' ceremonial wear, embodying wishes for strength, courage, and moral character. The forest setting, with its carefully observed botanical details and atmospheric depth, transforms the garment into a wearable landscape painting that celebrates both artistic sophistication and cultural heritage.

Measurements:  24 inches (61 cm) across the sleeves and standing at 38 inches (97 cm) in height.

This artwork is featured on pages 288-291 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.

The piece is also featured on page 92 of the summer 2018 edition of HALI magazine.

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