This listing is for a padded vest that was no doubt part of a matching kimono set from the 1950s or likely earlier. We don't see many of these, but they make eye-catching displays of Japanique art in small spaces. Vests like these would have been worn over a kimono to keep the child warm, since most rural Japanese houses still had paper doors.
Three chubby little ningyo (Imperial dolls from the Edo Period, often looking like cherubic children) decorate this vest - one on the back and two on the front.
On the backside, the ningyo clutches a tortoise (a symbol of longevity and good fortune) next to a wicker basket and fishing pole. On the front left side, the ningyo clutches a gourd (also a symbol of good fortune) and the ningyo on the right side hold a kanji-filled banner that, unfortunately, we cannot translate (but likely also symbolizes good fortune).
The detail in the stenciling, brush work, and shading were quite masterfully done. It may be hard to decide which side of the vest to display! Some light blemishing on the front collar, see last photo.
There is a single-family crest at the back of the neck - a fundo (measuring weight) and is associated with financial success.
There is also a 1" tuck on each side of the shoulders - this is how the vest was modified to fit a small child, with those tucks released to give more room as the child grew.
