Boy's Ro Silk Kimono for Shinto Miyamari Ceremony

This is a vintage Japanese boy's formal kimono, called a miyamairi (宮参り and is a ceremonial garment draped over an infant boy for his first visit to the shinto shrine with his parents and grandparents to thank the gods for safe delivery of the child. ( I have a detailed blog post about the ceremony and history here. )

Miyamairi (宮参り, literally "shrine visit") is a traditional Shinto rite of passage in Japan for newborns. Approximately one month after birth (31 days for boys and 33 days for girls[1]), parents and grandparents bring the child to a Shinto shrine, to express gratitude to the deities for the birth of a baby and have a shrine priest pray for his or her health and happiness

Miyamairi  typically have dark bands at top and hem with a light band across the middle, and in that middle space is a painted design that reaches across the back and sleeves. Boys’ miyamairi kimono were normally decorated with symbols of strength, honour, knowledge, culture and perseverance—like animals and samurai warriors. These motifs were representative of the hopes and desires of the boy’s parents and grandparents.

The finest silk is used for these ceremonial items, and this miyamairi is made of ro silk which is an open weave with crisp texture. A pair of dazzling hawks with long, outstretched wings are featured in the center of this kimono, with the border color a rich blue-grey. Five family crests are present. The hand painted details are crisp.

Condition Notes

This Kimono is in excellent condition, with crisp dye work, and has no spots, stains, or visible imperfections.

Dimensions: See included picture