Vintage Chikiriya Reversible Octopus Jacket Velvet Frog Sukajan Japanese Bomber

Chikiriya wearable art reversible jacket with dramatic octopus side and velvet frog-and-floral side

Description

A striking reversible CHIKIRIYA jacket that feels like two completely different personalities in one collectible piece.

One side presents a dramatic all-over tako (octopus) composition flowing across a dark satin-like ground, surrounded by curling water forms, floral clusters, and soft pale botanical detailing. The effect is atmospheric, unusual, and painterly—closer to wearable Japanese art than a standard souvenir jacket.

Reverse it, and the mood changes completely. The other side features a rich velvet body with a beautifully composed frog, lotus leaves, pond flowers, and butterfly scene in a more intimate, seasonal Japanese style. Together, the two sides create a rare balance between bold marine fantasy and quiet garden poetry.

This is a memorable Japanese statement jacket for collectors who want something more unusual than the usual eagle, tiger, or dragon sukajan.

Visual Presence

This piece stands out because of its contrast:

• Side A: dark, fluid, mysterious octopus-and-wave artwork
• Side B: deep velvet garden scene with frog, lotus, and flowers
• Reversible construction gives it strong styling versatility
• Soft, moody palette keeps the artwork elegant rather than loud
• A collectible CHIKIRIYA piece with strong archive-fashion appeal

Identification and Subject

Brand: CHIKIRIYA
Garment Type: Reversible Japanese jacket / sukajan-style bomber
Theme 1: Octopus / marine fantasy / floral wave composition
Theme 2: Frog, lotus leaves, flowers, butterfly / garden scene
Style: Japanese designer streetwear / art jacket / sukajan-inspired reversible outerwear
Color Palette: Black, ivory, muted beige, soft blush, deep burgundy, black velvet, green, pink, and floral accent tones

Notable features include:

• Reversible construction
• Zip-front closure
• Ribbed striped collar, cuffs, and hem
• Slanted side pockets
• Satin-like octopus side
• Velvet side with floral and frog design
• Raglan sleeve construction

Iconography and Meaning

Octopus / Tako
In Japanese visual culture, sea life motifs often carry a playful yet mysterious presence. The octopus brings movement, intelligence, and an almost dreamlike ocean energy to the garment.

Frog / Kaeru
In Japanese symbolism, frogs are often associated with good fortune, safe return, and seasonal nature imagery. The frog resting on lotus leaves gives the reverse side a gentler, more contemplative tone.

Flowers and Water Plants
Peony-like blooms, lotus imagery, and other floral accents add a classical Japanese decorative sensibility. They soften the composition and create a beautiful contrast to the surreal sea-creature side.

Together, the two sides create a jacket that feels both mythic and seasonal, bold and poetic at once.

Style, Materials, and Construction

• Reversible jacket construction
• Satin-like printed side with all-over octopus artwork
• Velvet side with floral and frog design
• Rib-knit striped collar, cuffs, and waistband
• Metal front zipper
• Side pockets
• Raglan sleeves

The exact fiber content is not visible from the photos, though the piece appears consistent with a mix of velvet-like fabric, satin/rayon-style fabric, rib knit trim, and embroidered or printed decorative work depending on side and motif.

Period Assessment

This piece appears consistent with a modern vintage / archive-era CHIKIRIYA jacket, likely from the late 1990s to 2000s, when Japanese brands were producing highly artistic reversible jackets blending sukajan references with designer streetwear styling.

It has the visual language of Japanese boutique fashion rather than a standard military souvenir jacket reproduction.

Condition

Good vintage pre-owned condition with age-appropriate wear.

Visible characteristics include:

• General creasing and soft wear from age and storage
• Light surface wear consistent with use
• Minor wear to velvet nap and satin-like areas
• Gentle fading/aging in places
• Overall strong visual presentation

The artwork remains the main attraction, and both sides still display beautifully.

Please review all photographs carefully for the most accurate impression of condition.

Dimensions

Approximate measurements from the provided photos:

• Pit to pit: approx. 51 cm
• Sleeve length (raglan / collar to cuff): approx. 77–78 cm
• Underarm to cuff: approx. 54 cm

No marked size was visible in the provided photos.

Best suited to compare with a similar jacket you already own for fit.

Display and Why It’s Special

A standout piece for collectors of:

• CHIKIRIYA
• Japanese designer streetwear
• Reversible sukajan jackets
• Archive Japanese fashion
• Velvet embroidered jackets
• Unusual marine motifs
• Frog and lotus motifs
• Wearable Japanese art
• Alternative luxury streetwear

The octopus side is especially unforgettable, while the velvet frog side gives the jacket a softer and more lyrical second identity. It is rare to find a reversible jacket where both sides feel equally compelling.

Shipping and Store Policies

Reasonable offers may be considered.

This is a vintage pre-owned item and is sold as found, with signs of age, wear, and storage appropriate to its life and character.

Please review all photos and measurements carefully before purchase.

All sales are final. Returns, exchanges, and condition-related claims are not accepted.

Worldwide shipping is available via Japan Post EMS with tracking. Orders are typically prepared within 3–5 business days, and delivery timing depends on destination and customs processing.

Hashtags

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Material Tags

velvet, satin fabric, rayon style fabric, rib knit trim, metal zipper