Boy’s kimono
Cotton, cotton padding
Double kasuri, stenciling (?)
This boy’s kimono has a very traditional double kasuri outer, but a charming western-flavored lining.
The western influence notwithstanding, puppies in snow are an old Japanese design theme, and the Japanese snowmen are called yuki daruma – snow daruma – and thus would not have the traditional western top hats, carrot noses, scarves or tree branch arms.
The undated photo below gives some idea of the popularity of kasuri kimonos such as this one for young boys’ everyday wear.
Ordinarily, these kimonos would have an unpatterned lining. This lining was probably a special treat that both the parent and the child enjoyed.
Only at the shoulders of the lining are a few slap-dash stitches visible.
A close up of the double kasuri.
A close up of the lining material.
Undated photo of young boy in photo studio wearing similar kasuri kimono and matching hat.
Hokusai’s painting of puppies in snow.
Daily Japanese Textile 