Sukajan reversible de GASBAG, pescador esqueleto con dorada marina Tai / dragón y tigre, dorado y esmeralda, talla M

A wonderfully eccentric GASBAG sukajan in which two personalities share one jacket. On antique-gold satin a skeleton fisherman in purple clutches a brilliant red tai sea bream; reversed, black satin and emerald sleeves fill with dragons, a tiger, storm clouds, waves and a mountain.

The Piece

The gold side is macabre, witty and theatrical. Its back shows a seated skeleton in a purple headscarf and robe holding an oversized red sea bream, a figure whose fish recalls the imagery of Ebisu, Japan's auspicious fishing deity. Tai is strongly associated in Japan with celebration, good fortune and abundance, and pairing it with a skeleton makes a darkly humorous meditation on luck, mortality and impermanence. Large cursive GASBAG embroidery crowns the upper back.

The gold front carries three circular medallions embroidered with dramatic red bonji-style characters, with paired skeletal faces emerging along the lower front to continue the memento mori mood. Black shoulder and sleeve panels are decorated with gold-toned blossom patterns and fine piping, an elegant textile border that softens the skeleton imagery; quilted stitching runs across the gold side.

The reverse pairs a black satin body with vivid emerald-green sleeves. Across the front a dragon and a tiger move through dense red-edged clouds, the traditional rivals balancing celestial and earthly force, the dragon tied to transformative energy and the tiger to courage and resolve; further embroidery continues along the sleeve, so the artwork wraps the body. The back shows a large dragon rising through red clouds and stylized blue-and-white waves beneath a steep mountain, its asymmetrical, tattoo-inspired placement making it seem to climb from the lower corner across the jacket even when it lies flat.

The palette of antique gold, glossy black, emerald green, crimson, violet and lavender, pale blue, ivory and silver gray, dark navy outlining and black rib-knit trim gives the jacket a highly individual presence. Design, embroidery and construction appear consistent with Japanese streetwear of the late 1990s to 2000s, and the piece sits as comfortably in a sukajan collection or an alternative streetwear wardrobe as in a display of contemporary Japanese textile art, either embroidered back serving as the show face.

Details

• Maker: GASBAG
• Era: Late 1990s to 2000s (assessed)
• Origin: Japan
• Material: Satin-finish textile; quilted textile; embroidery thread; rib-knit trim; metal zipper; woven pocket lining
• Color: Gold side: antique gold body, black shoulder and sleeve panels · Reverse: black body, emerald-green sleeves
• Motifs: Skeleton fisherman with tai sea bream; bonji-style medallions; skeletal faces; gold blossom bands · Dragons, tiger, clouds, waves and mountain
• Size: M (manufacturer's tag)
• Measurements: A 62 cm · B 47 cm · C 77 cm · D 57 cm · E 45 cm (approximate; positions per the Sukajan Sizing Guide)
• Construction: Fully reversible; embroidery on both sides; raglan-style sleeves; full metal zipper; slanted hand pockets on both faces; rib-knit collar, cuffs and waistband; lightweight; unisex

Condition

• Pre-loved vintage condition with visible, age-appropriate wear; no major structural damage is immediately apparent in the photographs.
• Natural creasing, surface variation, minor handling wear and small irregularities from previous use may be present; the satin retains a strong sheen and the principal embroidery remains striking.
• Please examine all images carefully, as the photographs form an essential part of the condition description; additional photographs may be requested.

Sizing Guidance

Japanese size M is approximately comparable to a contemporary Western XS–S, depending on body shape, layering and preferred silhouette, and the compact vintage proportions suit smaller-framed wearers. Rely on the measurements rather than the tag, comparing them with a similar jacket that fits comfortably and allowing room for movement or layering.

Authenticity & Care

Cursive GASBAG embroidery on the upper back identifies the maker; the tag reads size M. Every piece is examined and documented in Japan before dispatch and is offered with the Japonista authenticity guarantee.

Delivery from Japan

Packed by hand in Japan and shipped insured and tracked by EMS or an equivalent express service. Import duties and taxes, where applicable, are payable on arrival. Returns follow our published policy.

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