Japanese Coronation Costume, c. 1920s.

Japanese Coronation Costume, c. 1920s.:

[BARON SAWADA; CORONATION OF HIROHITO, 1928.] The formal hand-stitched silk kimono set is identified in an accompanying autograph note signed by Edward S. Stephenson (Hollywood, 1973), as being the coronation costume of Baron Sawada at Emperor Hirohito’s coronation in Kyoto. The set consists of a blue haori with red lining; a black nagagi with white lining; a red hakama; another white-lined black over-piece; two pieces of linen and white silk under clothing; a black metal and green brocade belt with white stones; and other textile and accessory pieces, including two blue bird-embroidered fringed sashes. Condition: The group is in very good/clean condition; one or two pieces with minimal edge staining. The regalia is stored in a wood box lacking a lid, 36 1/4in x 14 1/4in x 7in (Note: large for shipping). DOCUMENTATION: As well as an ALS from Edward S. Stephenson (signed E.S.S., Hollywood, 1973) which identifies the costume as being that of Baron Sawada for Hirohito’s coronation, a second fragmentary page further identifies the costume as having been gifted [by ?] in the post-war period “…to Capt. Gerald Cameron of Sp. Svs. GHQ when we were (he was [?] O.I.C. of Ernie Pyle when I was Dir of Ent. FEC) producing ‘The Mikado’ by Gilbert and Sullivan.” Also included with the lot: an additional brass/metal and white brocade belt, with an accompanying note from Stephenson explaining it is not part of the coronation regalia, but rather purchased separately in Japan, noting that the faux stones have discolored.