Reversible Butterfly & Chrysanthemum Sukajan, Mint Green and Brown Satin with Plum Reverse, Size M

Two complete embroidered gardens share one silhouette. Chocolate-brown and pale mint satin bloom with vivid butterflies and pink-and-gold chrysanthemums; reversed, the jacket turns smoky plum, embroidered in antique cream, bronze and smoky gold, one face exuberant and jewel-toned, the other quiet, nocturnal and almost monochromatic.

The Piece

This reversible sukajan is not simply a jacket with an alternate lining: both faces are fully designed, each with its own palette, layout and character, and neither reads as secondary. Most reversible sukajan pair a detailed exterior with a comparatively plain second face; this example carries substantial embroidery on both fronts, both backs and both sets of sleeves.

The brighter side sets a deep chocolate-brown body between pale mint-green sleeves. Large chrysanthemums rise across the chest and lower front in pink, coral, golden yellow and leafy green, while butterflies in cobalt blue, red, orange, violet, cream, turquoise and chartreuse move across the body and sleeves. The decoration continues across the back: a sweeping floral arrangement occupies the upper left, another chrysanthemum cluster grows upward from the lower right, and butterflies cross the open brown field between them and travel along both sleeves. It has the richness of an embroidered Japanese garden, while the mint-and-brown color architecture keeps it unusual and wearable.

On the reverse the satin becomes smoky plum-purple with dark charcoal ribbing, and the embroidery is restrained to antique cream, taupe, bronze, muted gold and charcoal for a softer, aged-metal appearance. A chrysanthemum arrangement sits on one side of the chest, butterflies are scattered across the other and down both sleeves, and across the back several large butterflies hover over an extensive garden of blooms rising from the hem. The reduced palette brings forward the shapes, wing patterns and layered petals: where the mint side is bright and theatrical, the plum side is elegant, shadowy and quietly dramatic.

Dense as it is, the embroidery is carefully distributed rather than packed into a single panel. The butterflies vary in scale, wing shape, orientation and color, some fully open, others angled as if moving through the flowers; the chrysanthemums, the kiku long associated with Japan, are worked with long curling petals, rounded central disks, layered leaves and multiple thread tones. Their large forms provide weight while the smaller butterflies carry the eye around the garment, a continuous garden narrative that changes entirely when the jacket is reversed. Because the embroidery wraps the sleeves and back, the jacket is compelling from every angle, and it displays well on a padded hanger, reversed from time to time for a new presentation.

Details

• Maker: Maker's label not visible in the photographs
• Era: Production year not documented; consistent with an older Japanese-market sukajan or revival-era souvenir jacket
• Material: Double-sided satin-like shell; multicolor and metallic-tone machine embroidery; rib-knit collar, cuffs and waistband
• Color: Side one: chocolate brown body, mint green sleeves, mint and charcoal striped ribbing · Side two: smoky plum purple with dark charcoal ribbing and metallic neutral embroidery
• Size: M (tag); may suit a fitted men's S to M, a relaxed women's M or an oversized women's S
• Construction: Fully reversible; raglan sleeves; central metal reversible zipper; hand-warmer pockets on both faces; lightweight souvenir-bomber silhouette
• Motifs: Butterflies, chrysanthemums (kiku), leaves and garden flowers on both faces

Condition

• Pre-owned vintage condition with visible, age-appropriate wear; no major tears or severe structural damage are apparent in the photographs.
• The satin-like fabric shows natural creasing, surface rubbing, tonal variation, light marks and areas of softened sheen; the plum side shows attractive mottling and patina that enhance its smoky coloration.
• The embroidery remains strong and expressive; individual threads may show minor age, irregularity or light wear, particularly in heavily embroidered areas and the sleeve motifs.
• The rib-knit collar, cuffs and waistband show normal signs of previous use.
• The photographs form an essential part of the condition record, showing texture, color variation, embroidery and the naturally aged satin surface.

Fit and Styling

Japanese sukajan often have a shorter, more compact bomber silhouette than contemporary Western outerwear, so the tagged M is best used as a reference alongside a jacket that already fits comfortably; it wears unisex depending on preferred fit.

The mint-and-brown side works with denim, cream trousers, wide-leg black pants or earthy neutral layers; the plum reverse pairs with charcoal, burgundy, black denim, long skirts, leather boots and muted vintage garments. It suits collectors of sukajan, Japanese embroidered fashion, butterfly and botanical garments, maximalist outerwear and reversible vintage bombers.

Authenticity & Care

The maker's label is not visible; the piece is presented on its embroidery and reversible construction, with a tagged size of 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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