This is a vintage Japanese boy's formal kimono, called a miyamairi. This style of kimono makes a beautiful display and though they are wearable, they are not play clothes and are not likely to survive the play life of an active child! See below for more about how these are worn.

Miyamairi typically have dark bands at the top and hem with a wide, light-colored band across the middle which holds an elaborate design. This miyamairi has a plaid patterning between the black bands and instead of a single elaborate design, we have a series of colorful cranes with their wings curved to encircle them. You'll also see the "Three Friends of Winter" (pine, bamboo and plum blossom) behind the cranes.The design continues to the front. There are five family crests (weights - an unusual motif) and the hand-embroidered symbols on the front ties are delicately beautiful.

There is some mottling on the back right sleeve which is noticeable but, in our opinion, does not detract much from the display of the kimono.

Miyamairi have two main purposes. First, it is a ceremonial garment draped over an infant boy for his first visit to the shrine with his parents and grandparents to thank the gods for safe delivery of the child and pray for blessings. The kimono is wrapped around the baby and the long silk bands are tied behind the mom or grandmother who holds the baby during the ceremony.

Secondly, miyamairi are worn for the Shichi-Go-San festival, when the boy is five years old and goes again to the shrine to pray for his and his family's good fortune. (See video below on the Shichi-Go-San Festival day for one young family in Japan.).