Arrow-feather-motif kimono

This kimono, has a classical motif tranformed into a statement of avant-garde fashion through scale and material luxury. The garment is constructed from rinzu (silk damask), a fabric prized for its glossy, satin-like finish, which serves as a luminous backdrop for the bold geometric design. What distinguishes this piece is the lavish incorporation of supplementary warp threads in gold and silver; these metallic lines run vertically through the fabric, adding a subtle, shimmering pinstripe effect that catches the light and imbues the textile with a sense of opulence and depth rarely found in standard prints.

The design features an exploded variation of the classical yabane (arrow-feather) motif. Traditionally, yabane was a small, repetitive pattern often associated with graduation hakama or bridal trousseaus. Here, however, the motif is rendered on a monumental scale, creating jagged, architectural zig-zags that span the entire length of the garment. The color palette is quintessentially Taisho, combining a warm, sandy beige ground with piercing accents of deep crimson, white, and a distinctively modern teal blue. This specific combination of red and teal was a hallmark of the era, reflecting a move away from organic, natural dyes toward the saturated, synthetic vibrancy of the 1920s.

It measures 51 inches across the shoulders and standing at a height of 59 inches.

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This artwork is featured on page 270 of Art Kimono: Aesthetic Revelations of Japan, 1905-1960. This book, published by Yorke Antique Textiles, can be previewed or purchased on our website here.

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