This silk kimono exemplifies the masterful integration of traditional Japanese resist-dyeing techniques with one of the country's most enduring geometric motifs. The asanoha pattern, literally meaning "hemp leaf," creates a mesmerizing tessellation of six-pointed star shapes that radiate across the golden silk ground, each motif rendered in deep indigo through the shibori process. This ancient pattern carries profound symbolic meaning in Japanese culture, representing growth, protection, and the warding off of evil spirits—qualities particularly associated with hemp's rapid, resilient growth that made it a symbol of prosperity and strength.

The shibori technique employed here demonstrates the sophisticated understanding of resist-dyeing methods that Japanese artisans had perfected over centuries. The intricate binding and compression required to create such precise geometric forms would have demanded exceptional skill, as each hemp leaf motif had to be carefully isolated during the dyeing process to achieve the crisp definition visible in the pattern. The resulting textile shows the characteristic organic irregularities of hand-worked shibori, where slight variations in binding tension and dye penetration create subtle textural interest that distinguishes it from mechanically produced patterns.

Aesthetically, this kimono reflects the period's appreciation for bold, graphic design elements that would later influence modernist movements. The high contrast between the golden silk and indigo dye creates a striking visual impact that recalls both traditional Japanese woodblock prints and emerging Art Deco sensibilities of the era. The asanoha's geometric precision and infinite repeatability across the fabric surface demonstrates how traditional Japanese pattern-making anticipated many principles that would become central to 20th-century design philosophy, bridging ancient craft traditions with modern aesthetic sensibilities.

It measures 51 inches (130 cm) from sleeve-end to sleeve-end and stands at 57 inches (145 cm) in height.

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