Grade Level:
Academic Subject:
This padded kimono of dyed cotton would have been worn by a young boy for festive occasions. It is decorated with a pictorial design of rushing waves together with lions and peonies, evoking an auspicious play of the Noh theater entitled Shakkyo (The Stone Bridge). Children’s kimono often displayed motifs with celebratory or lucky symbolism. Notice the five white circles on the chest, back, and sleeves of this garment. These areas were left unfinished so that the family crest of the wearer could be added. The fact that the crests are still blank on this kimono tells us that it probably never was used.