Japanese Appearance Reversible Sukajan, Dragon & Red Chrysanthemum Embroidery, Black Ivory Acetate, Size M

A coiling dragon in antique-gold thread rises through oversized red blooms across black satin, front and back, on this padded reversible sukajan from the label Japanese Appearance. Turned inside out, it becomes a quiet sage-gray quilted bomber: dramatic textile art on one side, everyday ease on the other.

The Piece

The main side is visually commanding. A large dragon dominates the black satin body in antique gold, tan, brown and muted red thread, its claws, scales, head, mane, whiskers and serpentine body all rendered in dense tonal stitching. The muted gold gives it a slightly weathered, painterly quality reminiscent of old Japanese screen painting and ink-inspired textile art. Around it bloom oversized red flowers with deep green leaves, reading as stylized traditional Japanese seasonal blooms with a chrysanthemum or spider-chrysanthemum energy, together with decorative floral embroidery and clouds or swirling forms. The full palette runs through antique gold, brown, tan, rust red, crimson, forest green, cream and muted gray: earthy and dramatic rather than bright.

Unusually, the front carries collector-level artwork of its own: dragon and flowers continue across the chest in a broad asymmetrical arrangement, so the jacket holds its identity even worn open. The back carries the full composition, the dragon twisting across the upper and central back with red flowers around its body in an almost circular movement that draws the eye around the form. Ivory sleeves with a black vertical racing-style outer band give the dense artwork room to breathe, and the striped rib knit picks up black, cream and muted green.

The reverse is a complete change: a sage-gray to blue-gray satin body with ivory side panels, tonal diamond quilting, subdued green-toned ribbing and minimal decoration, an understated vintage sportswear side that pairs easily with denim, chinos and neutral layers.

In Japanese visual culture the dragon embodies power, movement, protection, rain and water and spiritual authority, and its serpentine body suits large-format sukajan embroidery; the surrounding flowers bring beauty and temporality, one of the classic tensions of Japanese decorative art. The jacket appears consistent with a later Japanese sukajan revival, likely late 20th or early 21st century rather than the original occupation era, giving strong vintage aesthetics without the fragility of 1940s–1950s pieces.

Details

• Maker: Japanese Appearance (stylized kanji seal-style branding)
• Era: Likely late 20th or early 21st century revival
• Material: Outer acetate 100%; reverse acetate 100%; padding polyester 100%; rib acrylic 70% / wool 30%; embroidery thread; metal zipper
• Color: Black body with ivory sleeves; reverse sage-gray / blue-gray with ivory side panels
• Size: M (tag); care label indicates height 165–175 cm, chest 78–84 cm
• Construction: Fully reversible padded full-zip bomber; ribbed bomber collar; striped cuffs and waistband; diagonal pockets; contrast raglan-style panels; diamond quilting on the reverse
• Motifs: Dragon with large red flowers and green foliage; decorative floral embroidery; clouds and swirling forms

Condition

• Good overall pre-owned condition, judged from the photographs.
• Strong embroidery and well-preserved dragon stitching, strong floral coloration, attractive satin sheen, readable label, intact size tag, intact zipper, healthy-looking ribbing, clean reversible construction and attractive quilting on the reverse.
• As with any pre-owned garment, minor signs of age and wear may be present, such as surface creasing, minor thread irregularities, light rubbing, slight storage marks, mild satin wear and normal vintage handling traces.
• The photographs form an important part of the condition record.

Fit Notes

The care label's 165–175 cm height and 78–84 cm chest reflect the maker's intended Japanese size range and should not automatically be read as a modern Western M. Flat garment measurements (length, pit-to-pit chest, sleeve, lower sleeve and hem width) are the safest reference; please compare with a jacket you already own.

Authenticity & Care

Neck tag reads “Japanese appearance” with size M; the care label gives the fiber content and a recommended body range of 165–175 cm height and 78–84 cm chest. 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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