Japanese Hand-Painted and Embroidered Silk Kimono with Mt. Fuji Eagles, Framed

A majestic late 1980s Japanese Showa period Sakai clan hand-painted, dyed, and embroidered silk kimono with eagles and Mt. Fuji in a monumental custom-made silk-lined giltwood frame.

Features an epic and incredibly well executed hand-painted, hand-dyed, and hand-embroidered scene depicting a pair of gorgeous golden eagles—one with natural-colored plumage and the other a fantastical all-white—in a finely-bristled gnarled pine tree with a snow-covered navy blue Mt. Fuji looming in the distance. Set against a cream background with black on the shoulders and tail, and light grey white-capped waves undulating below.

While impressive at a distance, the kimono’s exceptional artistry and craftsmanship become even more apparent when viewed up close, with exquisitely detailed hand-painted metallic gold and silver line work throughout, and hand-sewn metallic gold and silver thread embroidery embellishing the eyes, beaks, and talons.

Presented in a very heavy custom wood frame with silk ecru back and black trim inside, gilt front, black edges, and acrylic glazing.

Since ancient times in Japan, Mt. Fuji has been a symbol of faith and admiration, eagles have represented the great power of nature, and pine trees have represented longevity, good fortune, and steadfastness.

Further adding to this kimono’s lore, a trio of Kamon crest emblems of the Sakai appear along the top. The Sakai were a Japanese samurai clan of 14th century origin that claimed descent from the Nitta branch of the Minamoto clan, who were in turn descendants of Emperor Seiwa.

Acquired by our dealer in the 1990s from a Polk Street gallery in San Francisco, California.

Dimensions overall;
Height: 50.13 in
Width: 42.25 in
Depth: 2.13 in
Kimono is H 39 inches x W 35.25 inches.