Chikiriya Reversible Velvet Sukajan, Ukiyo-e Whale & Waves, Wagara Frog and Lotus Embroidery

A reversible Chikiriya sukajan in velvet and satin that holds two artistic worlds: an ukiyo-e whale rising from stylized waves in soft beige, and a frog poised among lotus blossoms and peonies on deep burgundy. A souvenir-jacket silhouette carrying the grammar of Edo painting and wagara pattern.

The Piece

This Chikiriya reversible velvet sukajan blends ukiyo-e art, wagara tradition and the bold silhouette of the classic Japanese souvenir jacket. Crafted in velvet and satin, each side presents a completely different artistic universe, so the jacket reads as two works of art in one.

One side features an ukiyo-e whale emerging from stylized waves, rendered in soft beige tones reminiscent of Edo-period sumi-ink painting. Surrounding swirls, florals and atmospheric details give the composition the surreal, floating quality of emakimono scroll illustration, in keeping with the idea of ukiyo, the floating world in which nature becomes mythic and symbolic.

Reversed, a vibrant frog is poised among lotus blossoms, surrounded by richly embroidered peonies, water lilies, insects and soft ripples. The design draws on haiku imagery and classical Buddhist lotus symbolism, celebrating life, humor and rebirth, and the deep burgundy velvet ground intensifies its colors and tactile presence.

Layered satin stitching recreates the texture of antique painting: every wave curl, lotus petal and amphibian movement echoes a centuries-old Japanese artistic grammar. The somber ukiyo-e palette set against the vibrant lotus garden shows the brand’s signature duality of artistic drama and poetic calm, and offers sukajan enthusiasts a design beyond the typical dragons and tigers.

Chikiriya is identified as a Kyoto-founded wagara (和柄) house specializing in textile craftsmanship inspired by classical Japanese aesthetics, blending Edo-period ukiyo-e, traditional dyeing culture and contemporary street silhouettes, and working with independent artists, kimono craftsmen and textile workshops to preserve regional techniques, particularly Kyoto’s sensibility for color harmony and symbolic pattern. Its sukajan draw on motifs rarely seen outside textile archives: folklore creatures, classical wave scrolls, Heian-era flora and emakimono imagery, with reversible designs that often pair a dramatic ukiyo-e tableau with a softer, poetic face. Produced in limited quantities with references to old legends, Buddhist iconography and seasonal kimono patterns, Chikiriya jackets frequently become archival pieces valued by kimono collectors, sukajan enthusiasts and vintage historians.

Details

• Maker: Chikiriya
• Era: Vintage
• Origin: Japan
• Material: Velvet × satin blend; layered satin-stitch embroidery
• Color: Side A: black × beige · Side B: burgundy × black
• Design: Reversible: ukiyo-e whale and wave art × frog and lotus wagara embroidery
• Motifs: Whale, stylized waves, swirls and florals · frog, lotus, peonies, water lilies, insects, ripples
• Art Style: Edo ukiyo-e, wagara floral symbolism, Kyoto artisan embroidery
• Fit: Classic sukajan silhouette

Condition

Vintage condition; please see the photographs for details.

Authenticity & Care

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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