This meisen silk kimono showcases a vibrant golden yellow ground adorned with an intricate pattern of stylized floral motifs that demonstrate the sophisticated textile artistry of mid-20th century Japan. The design features large, bold flowers rendered in rich reds, whites, and multicolored palettes, each bloom emerging from swirling, flame-like or wind-swept background patterns that create a sense of dynamic movement across the entire garment. The meisen technique, known for its innovative use of pre-dyed warp and weft threads to create complex ikat-like effects, allows for the seamless integration of these organic forms with the flowing, almost Art Nouveau-influenced linear elements that seem to dance between the floral medallions.
The symbolism embedded in this textile reflects traditional Japanese aesthetic values while embracing the modernist sensibilities of the post-war era. The prominent flowers carry connotations of honor, wealth, and feminine beauty in Japanese culture, while their bold, almost pop art-like rendering suggests the influence of contemporary Western design movements that were increasingly permeating Japanese decorative arts during the 1950s. The swirling background pattern evokes natural forces like wind or water, fundamental elements in Japanese artistic tradition that represent the ephemeral nature of beauty and the constant flow of life.
Measuring 51 inches (130 cm) from sleeve-end to sleeve-end, it stands at 61 inches (155 cm) in height.