Surcoat (Jinbaori) for a Boy

Unknown

late 18th–early 19th century · Wool, silk brocade, metallic yarn, wool · Arms and Armor

Surcoats for children are very rare. This example probably was made for use in the Genpukushiki ceremony, in which the son of a samurai family was officially recognized as an adult and which usually was held when the boy was between the ages of twelve and fifteen. The fine materials and workmanship of this surcoat indicate that it was made for a member of an upper-class family.

Artist

Unknown

Date

late 18th–early 19th century

Medium

Wool, silk brocade, metallic yarn, wool

Culture

Japanese

Department

Arms and Armor

Credit line

Purchase, Charles and Ellen Baber Gift, 2012