This synthetic-fabric furisode, set against a vibrant vermillion background, features large-scale hibiscus blossoms rendered in pristine white with dark brown centers, their petals radiating outward with dynamic energy that suggests the influence of Pop Art's bold graphic sensibilities. The wax-resist technique employed here creates crisp, clean lines and solid color blocks that demonstrate how traditional Japanese textile methods were reimagined to accommodate the aesthetic preferences of the modern era, while the synthetic fabric base reflects the period's embrace of new materials and production efficiencies.
The hibiscus motif carries particular cultural significance, symbolizing gentle femininity, delicate beauty, and the fleeting nature of youth—making it especially appropriate for a furisode, which is traditionally worn by unmarried young women. However, the scale and treatment of these blossoms represents a radical departure from classical Japanese floral representation, where flowers were typically rendered with subtle naturalism and seasonal appropriateness. Here, the hibiscus blooms are monumentalized into bold graphic statements that fill the entire visual field, creating an almost tropical exuberance that reflects the period's more globalized aesthetic vocabulary and the increasing influence of international fashion trends on traditional Japanese dress.
The presence of the maker's stamp on the lapel indicates this garment's position within Japan's post-war textile industry, where traditional craftsmanship intersected with commercial production methods and brand identity became increasingly important. This furisode demonstrates how Japanese textile designers of the late 20th century successfully navigated the tension between preserving cultural heritage and embracing contemporary visual culture, creating garments that maintained the essential structure and ceremonial function of traditional dress while expressing distinctly modern aesthetic sensibilities through synthetic materials and bold graphic design.
Measuring approximately 53 inches (135 cm) from sleeve-end to sleeve-end and 64 inches (163 cm) in height.