A rabbit against the moon.
A sailing boat with a peach painted on its sail.
An elephant lifting its trunk, and a bird standing on a pedestal.

These different worlds meet on a Japanese juban kimono robe. A nagajuban is a full-length under-kimono robe, traditionally worn beneath a kimono. Dating approximately to the early–mid Showa period, this piece offers both an expressive layer to wear and a vintage textile to display and collect.

In Japanese decorative traditions, the rabbit’s leaping movement and fertility have inspired associations with advancement and abundance. The rabbit inhabiting the moon is another long-established image found in Japanese art and craft. Alongside it, the sailing boat invites an association with junpu manpan: sails filled by a favorable wind, an expression used to describe smooth progress in life.

The elephant and pedestal-mounted bird bring a playful, almost toy-like character to the composition. Familiar lunar imagery meets the suggestion of distant journeys and unfamiliar creatures. Although the precise source and original intention of this combination are unknown, its imaginative arrangement leaves room for discovery each time you look.

The outer fabric is mosurin, a Japanese textile term often rendered as “muslin.” Its exact fiber composition has not been verified; it should not be assumed to be the cotton muslin commonly known in English-speaking countries. The lining is cotton.

Dark green, pale beige and brown bands form the setting for motifs in yellow, peach and blue-violet. A patterned grey collar, vivid yellow lining and peach-colored ties add further contrasts. Worn open, the robe reveals its bright lining; loosely tied, it brings the printed motifs into a different arrangement.

Discoloration, stitched repairs and small areas of damage remain. Rather than the uniform finish of a new garment, this piece carries visible traces of age and continued use. It offers a thoughtful alternative to disposable fashion: an existing garment to appreciate, care for and enjoy over time.

Beyond clothing, it can be appreciated as a textile art piece. With the sleeves gently extended and supported, the moon rabbit, sailing boats, elephants and birds form a pictorial composition, revealing a different character from the one seen when worn.

Display it in a home or shop, or add it to a collection of vintage kimono and Japanese textiles. Its appeal lies not only in its imagery and colors, but also in the survival of the garment itself, including its repairs and signs of age.

Only one is available. You will receive the exact garment photographed, with its individual combination of pattern, construction and condition. Please consider both its imagery and its documented wear before purchasing.

Design & Materials

• Outer fabric: Mosurin; exact fiber composition unverified
• Lining: Cotton, yellow
• Estimated period: Early–mid Showa
• Pattern: Dark green, pale beige and brown bands with moon rabbit, sailing boat, elephant and bird motifs
• Collar: Grey with a subtle pattern
• Ties: Peach-colored

Styling & Display

Layer it over a plain top and jeans to let the imagery take the lead. Black or natural-colored wide-leg trousers complement its long silhouette and generous sleeves.

Wear the ties loosely fastened, or leave the front open to reveal the yellow lining.

For display, avoid direct sunlight and support the fabric so that its weight is not concentrated at a single point on the shoulders or sleeves. Handle the damaged areas with care.

Measurements

Measured flat.

• Length, from the back neckline to the hem: 122 cm / 48.0 in
• Width, straight across beneath the underarms: 61 cm / 24.0 in
• Shoulder width: 62.5 cm / 24.6 in
• Sleeve length, from shoulder to sleeve edge: 32 cm / 12.6 in
• Sleeve panel depth: 41.5 cm / 16.3 in
• Sleeve opening: 30 cm / 11.8 in

Please allow for slight variations in hand measurements.

Condition

There are areas of discoloration that may be due to sun exposure or color fading. Stitched repairs are present, along with small areas of fabric damage in several places.

The garment has been washed, but it is not odor-free due to its age. Please purchase with an understanding of the character and condition of vintage clothing.

For questions about sizing, returns and customs, please visit our FAQ.

After your purchase, we would be grateful if you shared a review of how you wear or display this piece.

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