Golden Stream

"The flowing river never stops, and yet the water is never the same." So opens the Hōjōki, written in 1212 by the monk Kamo no Chōmei. Every Japanese person knows that first line by heart.

The motif of flowing water, ryūsui, carries the same idea: what keeps moving does not wear out, it renews itself. It is embroidered to wish for a life that does not stand still, and to keep stagnation away. The flowers on the bank change with the seasons; the water goes on.

On the back, a small white crest, just one. On a black haori, that single crest makes it a dressed garment, the one worn over the kimono to go out, to pay a visit or attend a ceremony.

A black haori, quiet from a distance. Come closer, and three silver streams cross the back and sleeves — and at each bend, a cluster of flowers in gold thread leans toward the water.

The black ground is not empty space: it is what makes the gold and silver catch the light. Nothing repeats exactly — each cluster sits alone, as if placed at the edge of a real stream.

Worn open, over a shirt or a simple dress, it becomes a long, understated jacket that only reveals itself in the light.

Length

71 cm / 28.0"

Yuki (back to cuff)

61 cm / 24.0" — cuff-to-cuff span 122 cm / 48.0"

Body width

56.5 cm / 22.2"

Sleeve

45 cm / 17.7" long, 32 cm / 12.6" wide

Material

Silk. White silk lining with a woven pattern.

Motif

Flowing water (silver thread), flower clusters (gold thread)

Crest

One crest on the back

Condition

First grade. No visible stain in the photos.

Worn

Open, as a short jacket

Sent from France, carefully folded and wrapped in Japanese paper. Times and rates are set out in the terms of sale. Returns accepted within fourteen days, except for pieces altered to measure.

Dry clean only. Hang in the shade. Never rub the metallic threads.