Base fabric: Fine silk crepe (kinsha) in plain weave
Size style: Naga-haori
Family crests (mon) present: none
Dimensions: 49 inches (125 cm) from sleeve-end to sleeve-end and 39 inches (99 cm) in height
Bold graphic patterns of stylized bamboo stalks and leaves emerge against a black background. The bamboo stalks appear as diagonal bands of white and shades of red, brown and blue, generating an impression of movement and dynamism across the garment. The bamboo leaves take form in light grey, contrasting with the darker stalks and background, rendered in a simplified, almost abstract manner. The color palette is limited but highly effective. The stark contrast between the black background and the lighter bamboo elements creates a strong visual impact. The use of red, brown and blue within the bamboo stalks adds a subtle vibrancy to the design, preventing it from becoming too stark. The colors are reminiscent of traditional Japanese woodblock prints, which often employed a similar limited palette for maximum impact. In terms of influence, the haori's design displays elements that could be linked to several art movements. The simplified forms of the bamboo leaves and the overall graphic quality of the design share similarities with Art Deco, which embraced geometric shapes and streamlined aesthetics. However, the Japanese aesthetic of using simplified organic forms in design predates Art Deco, which itself was influenced by Japanese art. The bold, diagonal lines could also be seen as a precursor to the Op Art movement of the 1960s, which explored optical illusions and visual vibrations, although the effect here is less pronounced. The strong graphic quality of the design also hints at modernism, with its emphasis on simplicity and functionality.