This chirimen-silk Geisha formal hikizuri showcases a scene with auspicious treasure ships sailing on a foamy sea, meticulously detailed with yuzen-painting, embroidery highlights, and gold foil outlining. Adorned with five "mon" (family crests), it holds a very formal essence. Measuring 49 inches (124 cm) from sleeve end to sleeve-end and 64 inches (163 cm) in height, it's a noteworthy piece for its unique portrayal of the "tarabune" or "ship of good fortune."

Traditionally associated with the New Year's arrival and believed to carry the Seven Gods of Good Luck, their Myriad Treasures, the crane, and long-tailed tortoise, the tarabune motif is commonly seen on fukusa (gift cloth) during New Year's exchanges and on ceremonial miyamairi kimonos for children's coming-of-age rituals. What sets this geisha dance performance kimono apart is its rare depiction of not just one but twenty-four ships: 15 on the outside and 9 on the inside, as illustrated in the "back opened" and "front opened" images.

Among these ships, one contains the Seven Gods of Good Luck, while the remaining 23 overflow with various treasures associated with the seven gods, including symbolic items like the key to the gods' storehouse, Daikoku's hammer, hay bales, sacred jewels, an inexhaustible money bag, and an invisibility hat. Legend holds that the takarabune arrives on New Year's Eve to bestow gifts of happiness and luck to believers.

Considering the elaborate details and symbolic significance, it's plausible that this hikizuri was crafted for a geisha's important New Year's stage performance, capturing the essence of fortune and blessings for the occasion.

This artwork is featured on pages 396-397 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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