This early 1950s piece depicts an eagle spreading its wings wide, preparing to take flight from a pine branch. The eagle embroidery, meticulously rendered with vibrant orange-brown threads and even showing the gradation of feathers, stands out against the black satin fabric. The tricolor ribbing, with a red base and navy and white lines, is also a distinctive feature.
The reversible side features a tiger with a charmingly stylized expression. The body has a so-called "reverse color scheme," with the underarms being darker than the body, and this blue and black color scheme, along with the block-letter "JAPAN" lettering, is rare in vintage pieces. The contrast between the vibrant blue of the satin fabric and the lustrous yellow of the rayon embroidery is eye-catching.
This is the most standard type of souvenir jacket, a reversible type using acetate fabric on both sides. Post-war Sukajan jackets used acetate, a material that was not subject to material controls and had a luxurious feel similar to silk. Because it has no padding, it can be worn in any season, and its unique drape is also appealing.
