This miyamairi kimono presents a powerful mythological scene rendered with exceptional artistic skill, featuring a fierce lion-dog (komainu or shishi) emerging from turbulent waves amid blooming peonies against a striking black and cream color scheme. The composition demonstrates masterful use of space, with the upper portion dominated by stylized chrysanthemum or peony blossoms rendered in pale green against the dark ground, while the central focus captures the legendary creature mid-leap from foaming blue waters. The detailed close-up reveals the sophisticated execution of the yuzen painting technique, where gold outlines define the lion's muscular form and flowing mane, while highlighted embroidery adds textural depth to key elements.
The imagery draws from the famous Japanese legend of the peony and lion, where the mighty shishi (lion-dog guardian) is said to rest peacefully beneath peony blossoms despite its fierce nature, symbolizing the balance between strength and gentleness. This makes it an ideal motif for a boy's ceremonial kimono, as it embodies the hope that the child will possess both courage and wisdom, ferocity in protecting what matters and the discernment to know when to be gentle. The lion-dog's emergence from waves adds another layer of meaning, suggesting the child's ability to navigate life's turbulent challenges while maintaining their noble character. The peonies themselves represent honor, wealth, and masculine virtue in this context, creating a garment that serves as both protection and aspiration for the young wearer during his sacred introduction to the Shinto shrine.
Measuring approximately 32 inches (81 cm) across the shoulders and 39 inches (99 cm) in height.