1950s Satin Sukajan, Roaring Tiger on Bamboo and Waves, Tiger Heads, Deep Olive and Ivory, Well Worn

An honest, hard-lived 1950s souvenir jacket in a deep olive satin rarely seen in the period, with snarling tiger heads at the chest and a full tiger crouched above bamboo and waves across the back.

The Piece

Most early souvenir jackets were made in black, navy, red or royal blue; the olive-khaki ground of this one is the scarce exception, a colour that sits closer to the American flight jackets these garments were modelled on. It was embroidered in Japan for an American serviceman in the 1950s and worn until the satin took on the soft, broken sheen of a well-used piece.

On the front, a pair of tiger heads face each other in golden-yellow and black thread, their mouths open in red, above two slash pockets trimmed with ivory piping. The back carries the classic seated tiger, head turned over its shoulder, on a rock with bamboo leaves and stylised breaking waves beneath. The raglan sleeves are ivory satin with a dark olive stripe down the outer arm, and green and cream striped knits finish the collar, cuffs and hem. The reverse side is not photographed here; it is described as a tiger and map design.

This is a jacket for the collector who values a true, unrestored early piece over a pristine one. The embroidery itself remains bold and complete, and it is precisely the kind of jacket that the Japanese reproduction makers study when they age their own replicas.

Measured flat, the chest is 55 cm and the length 57 cm, with a raglan sleeve of 89 cm from the centre back, close to a modern medium.

Details

• Designer: Unsigned Japanese souvenir workshop
• Season: Attributed to the 1950s
• Model / ref: Reversible tiger souvenir jacket (sukajan)
• Material: Acetate satin; rayon thread embroidery; knit rib trims
• Colour: Deep olive-khaki with ivory sleeves
• Made in: Japan
• Tagged size: No size label (approx. modern M)
• Measurements: Chest (pit to pit) 55 cm · Length 57 cm · Sleeve from centre back 89 cm
• Included: Jacket only

Condition

• Heavy wear throughout; sold as an unrestored collector piece.
• Both knit cuffs are torn and frayed, with loss to the rib, as pictured.
• Extensive staining and discolouration to the ivory sleeves.
• Zip is damaged and will need repair or replacement.
• Embroidery on the front and back is complete and bright.
• Reverse side not photographed.

Condition grade C on the Japanese scale; see Japanese condition ranks, explained.

Authenticity & Care

The labels, materials, stitching, hardware and construction are examined together and documented in Japan before dispatch; anything that cannot be confirmed is stated plainly in the description. Every piece carries the Japonista authenticity guarantee. Store flat or on a broad padded hanger; we would recommend a specialist restorer for the zip and cuffs before wear.

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. Every sale is final; please ask anything before you buy, and see our published policy.

Every figure above is taken by hand with the garment laid flat, in centimetres. Lay a shirt or jacket you already love beside them and allow a centimetre or two of margin, the quiet safeguard on a final sale. Our size guide to tops and jackets turns pit-to-pit figures into US, UK, EU and Japanese sizes, and for anything it leaves open the curator team replies within one Tokyo business day.

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