Ikyu's Dragon (featured in the Edo era Kabuki drama, "Sukeroku Yukari No Edo Zakura")
One of my favorites at Pagong I’d like to share with you, is a textile brimming in strength, power, and charm, Ikyu’s Dragon.
On the gorgeous Kabuki stage the setting from which this pattern is taken, we are transported to feudal Japan, when samurai and bushi still had important roles in the land.
Sukeroku, a young Genji clan “bushi” (a highly skilled warrior, not serving the emperor as a samurai), is seeking to uncover the thief who has taken a highly-prized family sword.
Ikyu, a bushi of equal noble status of the Heike opposing clan, is Sukeroku’s rival.
Both men are skilled warriors, however, the two could not be more different. Sukeroku is pretending to be a tough, trouble-making commoner, dressed in a simple, plain kimono, purposely provoking Ikyu, and all those present, to draw their swords so that he may identify the treasured family sword.
Ikyu, now an old man, with long white beard, stands defiant, wearing a boldly elegant dragon kimono with lavish embroidery, which explodes on stage. Worn with confidence, it’s Ikyu’s full intention to exhibit his importance, and his rank.
At last however, Sukeroku’s taunting and insults get the best of Ikkyu, who at last draws the sword, thus revealing himself to be the taker of Sukero’s coveted family sword.
Sukeroku immediately wants to take Ikyu’s life, however is stopped by the woman whom he dearly loves, Agemaki, a highly respected “oiran” a courtesan above the level of a geisha.
Agemaki, as it happens, is loved by both men, Ikyu being a respected long-time customer at her teahouse. The scene closes as Ikyu takes leave of the stage in his brilliant dragon kimono, the battle between the two rivals, Sukeroku and Ikyu, to take place after sundown…
Pagong is honored to have been given official permission to use this extraordinary kabuki pattern from the legendary Shochiku Costume Company in Tokyo.
