Hyakka Ryoran Hokusai-Inspired Whale & Great Wave Sukajan, Gold Sleeves, Blue Jacquard Lining, Size L

Two whales rise and dive through Hokusai-inspired waves beneath a crimson sun on this Hyakka Ryoran sukajan, worked in turquoise, champagne, ivory and charcoal on lustrous black satin. Metallic gold sleeves and a deep blue landscape jacquard lining complete a marine tableau that reimagines, rather than reproduces, The Great Wave off Kanagawa.

The Piece

The black satin body is a night-like ground for layered embroidery. Two whales emerge between towering, curling wave crests, surrounded by turquoise sea spray, foam and rolling currents, while sweeping kasumi-style cloud bands travel across the shoulder and around the red sun, giving the whole jacket a remarkable sense of motion.

The front repeats the theme in two mirrored circular medallions, each holding a whale beneath a curling wave and red sun. Champagne-gold sleeves with contrasting black shoulder panels frame the composition, and inside, a deep blue woven jacquard of traditional landscape scenery is revealed only when the jacket is opened.

The wave stands for the immense force and continual movement of nature; the whales add endurance, depth and passage through the unknown, and the rising sun renewal, vitality and Japan itself. The restrained black, gold and turquoise palette is more sophisticated than brightly colored novelty sukajan, suiting Japanese streetwear, archive fashion and textile-art collections alike. The short silhouette works with black denim, wide trousers, boots or minimal streetwear, and on a stand or wall hanger the back reads as contemporary textile art in the ukiyo-e spirit.

The jacket likely dates from the late Y2K to early-2010s era of premium Japanese wagara streetwear.

Details

• Maker: Hyakka Ryoran
• Era: Likely late Y2K to early 2010s
• Material: Glossy satin-finish textile; multicolored machine embroidery; woven jacquard lining; rib-knit trim; metal zipper
• Color: Black, antique gold, turquoise, ivory, crimson and deep blue
• Size: L (manufacturer's size); approximately a men's M or a relaxed women's L depending on preferred silhouette
• Measurements: Measured flat: back length approx. 61–62 cm / 24–24.4 in · Chest width approx. 59–60 cm / 23.2–23.6 in · Hem width approx. 54–55 cm / 21.3–21.7 in · Raglan sleeve, collar to cuff, approx. 78–80 cm / 30.7–31.5 in · Underarm sleeve approx. 49–50 cm / 19.3–19.7 in
• Construction: Raglan sleeves; full front zipper; angled hand pockets; black, silver and blue striped rib-knit collar, cuffs and waistband; dense front and back embroidery
• Motifs: Two whales; Hokusai-inspired wave crests; crimson sun; kasumi cloud bands; sea spray; front wave-and-whale medallions

Condition

• Good pre-owned condition; the principal embroidery remains bold, dimensional and visually impressive.
• Natural satin creasing, light surface wear and minor age-related variation consistent with previous use and storage.
• Please review all photographs closely, as they form an important part of the condition description.

Authenticity & Care

This design is documented as a Hyakka Ryoran Hokusai-inspired whale sukajan in manufacturer's size L. 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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