This ro gauze hitoe summer kimono features a bold pattern of stylized flowers in yellow and deep red, interspersed with delicate white cherry blossoms and flowing botanical elements against a rich teal background. The design demonstrates the sophisticated stenciling techniques of the era, likely created using katazome resist-dyeing methods that allowed for such precise, repeating motifs.
The cherry blossoms (sakura) represent beauty, impermanence, and the celebration of fleeting moments, core concepts in Japanese aesthetics.
The design philosophy reflects the influence of the Mingei folk craft movement and early modernist principles, with its bold geometric interpretation of traditional forms and confident use of contrasting colors. The close-up views reveal the characteristic open weave of ro gauze, designed to provide cooling airflow during Japan's humid summers. The horizontal ridges visible in the textile structure show the meticulous craftsmanship required to maintain pattern registration across such an open weave, demonstrating the technical mastery of early 20th century Japanese textile artisans during a period of rapid cultural modernization.
Measuring 48 inches (122 cm) from sleeve-end to sleeve-end, it stands at 59 inches (150 cm) in height.