This summer kimono exemplifies the sophisticated artistry of kata-yuzen dyeing techniques applied to sheer gauze silk, creating a garment that balances visual richness with the lightweight comfort essential for Japan's humid summers. The textile displays an abundant floral composition dominated by large-scale lilies rendered in soft cream tones with delicate turquoise accents, interwoven with smaller wildflowers and botanical elements that create a luxurious tapestry effect across the deep burgundy ground. The kata-yuzen resist-dyeing process allows for the precise definition of each floral form while maintaining the subtle gradations and naturalistic details that characterize this celebrated Japanese textile art, with flowing stems and tendrils creating graceful movement throughout the composition.
The artistic treatment reflects the influence of both traditional Japanese aesthetics and the emerging modern sensibilities of the mid-20th century, where classical floral motifs were reimagined with bolder scale and more dramatic color contrasts. The rich wine-colored background provides striking contrast to the pale blossoms, while the strategic use of turquoise blue adds jewel-like accents that enliven the overall palette. The gauze weave technique, with its open structure creating subtle transparency, adds an ethereal quality to the design while allowing air circulation crucial for summer wear. The vertical striping visible within the burgundy ground creates additional textural interest and demonstrates the technical complexity achievable through advanced dyeing methods.
Symbolically, the lily motifs carry associations with purity, renewal, and feminine grace, making this kimono particularly appropriate for summer festivals and elegant social occasions. The abundance of floral imagery suggests prosperity and natural beauty, while the sophisticated color palette speaks to refined taste and social status. This garment represents the height of Japanese summer textile artistry, where technical mastery in both weaving and dyeing creates clothing that is simultaneously practical and profoundly beautiful, embodying the Japanese aesthetic principle of finding extraordinary beauty in everyday objects designed for specific seasonal purposes.
It measures 49 inches (125 cm) from sleeve-end to sleeve-end and stands at 60 inches (152 cm) in height.