Chirimen Kimono with Susuki and Autumn Meadow Motifs

This chirimen silk kimono showcases the distinctive creped texture that defines this beloved fabric type. Chirimen's characteristic pebbled surface, created through the use of highly twisted weft threads, provides subtle visual depth and a soft, slightly springy hand that drapes beautifully while resisting wrinkles.

Against an ivory cream ground, silk-screened botanical motifs create sweeping, rhythmic movement across the entire garment. Long, graceful susuki (pampas grass) blades in tan, olive, and golden tones arc and curve throughout the composition, their elegant lines suggesting wind-blown autumn meadows. Interwoven among these flowing grasses, clusters of small flowers appear in warm coral, soft orange, mauve, and purple tones, accompanied by delicate fern-like fronds and small berry-like elements.

The imagery evokes aki no nanakusa, the "seven grasses of autumn" celebrated in Japanese poetry since the Nara period. This literary and artistic tradition honors the subtle beauty of late summer and early autumn plants—susuki, hagi (bush clover), kuzu (kudzu), nadeshiko (wild pink), ominaeshi (valerian), fujibakama (thoroughwort), and kikyō (bellflower). Rather than depicting each species botanically, this design captures the poetic essence of an autumn meadow in gentle transition.

The soft, muted palette and flowing naturalistic composition create an effect of understated elegance appropriate for autumn wear. The allover patterning and graceful movement demonstrate how silk-screening could achieve painterly, atmospheric effects while enabling efficient production of sophisticated designs.

It measures 49 inches (124 cm) from sleeve-end to sleeve-end and stands 61 inches (155 cm) in height. However, it's worth noting that it's in good condition but has a number of light stains on the cream-colored background, which might make it unsuitable for wear.

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