Hyakka Ryoran Reversible Giant Koi & Dragon Sukajan, Brocade Jacquard and Black Satin, Size M

Two readings of traditional Japanese imagery share this Hyakka Ryoran reversible sukajan: a monumental koi swimming across a muted brocade-style ground, and on the reverse an enormous ivory and antique-gold dragon on black satin. Together the sides read almost as a narrative of ascent, from striving koi to achieved power.

The Piece

The koi side is unusually elegant for a sukajan. Its body appears woven or jacquard-inspired, a mottled floral and ornamental texture in beige, taupe, muted cream and dusty lavender-brown. Against it a dark koi stretches dramatically across front and back, with dense overlapping scales, exaggerated fins, large expressive eyes, a rounded head and sweeping movement in navy-black thread touched with gold and gray; on the back it bends upward through nearly the entire central panel. The subdued ink-painting palette gives a vintage nihonga mood, closer to traditional painting and textile design than to modern graphics, and black sleeves with ivory or cream side panels and a narrow red piping line keep attention on the body imagery.

Reversed, the jacket changes completely. A massive dragon in ivory, cream, antique gold and tan with black outline work sweeps across a deep black satin field, its head occupying much of the upper body and its serpentine coils extending across the garment, with large scale patterning, open jaws, long whiskers, articulated claws, cloud formations and strong linear embroidery. It leans toward classical tattoo and painting iconography; the front carries the dragon across the chest, the back a more expansive composition.

In Japanese visual culture the koi stands for perseverance, endurance, transformation, strength against adversity, ambition and good fortune; the dragon for strength, protection, wisdom, rain, water, spiritual authority and movement between heaven and earth. One side is quiet, painterly, earthy and reflective; the other graphic, high-contrast, mythic and commanding.

The construction is characteristic of modern Japanese revival sukajan, likely of the late 20th or early 21st century. Hyakka Ryoran is known for expressive traditional motifs rendered in streetwear form, and with full-scale artwork on both sides this piece has as much display value as wearability: the koi side suits understated vintage or Japanese Americana styling, the dragon side a theatrical statement.

Details

• Maker: Hyakka Ryoran
• Era: Modern Japanese revival; likely late 20th or early 21st century
• Material: Satin-like shell (polyester; acetate-style satin); brocade-style patterned ground on the koi side; embroidery thread; rib knit; metal zipper
• Color: Black, ivory, cream, beige, taupe and muted gold
• Size: M (manufacturer's tag); approximately a Western S–M depending on body type and styling
• Construction: Full-zip reversible bomber; rib-knit collar, cuffs and waistband; diagonal pockets; contrast sleeve panels with red piping; raglan-inspired shape
• Motifs: Giant koi; dragon; clouds; floral / brocade-style patterning

Condition

• Good overall pre-owned condition in the photographs, with strong embroidery, rich intact imagery, clear scale definition, a clean dragon composition, an attractive patterned ground, healthy-looking ribbing, an intact zipper and wearable reversible construction.
• As with any pre-owned souvenir jacket, minor signs of age or storage may be present: light wrinkling, surface creasing, mild rubbing, small thread irregularities, light discoloration, storage marks or subtle satin wear.
• Please examine all photographs carefully, as they form an important part of the condition description.

Authenticity & Care

Hyakka Ryoran, manufacturer's tag 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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