This silk kimono demonstrates the bold aesthetic experimentation that characterized Japanese textile design during the early Shōwa period. Executed on a luxurious rinzu silk base and advanced silkscreen techniques, the garment features a dramatically simple yet powerful composition of diagonal stripes in vibrant coral-red and emerald green that cut dynamically across a deep black ground. The detail image reveals the sophisticated technical execution, showing how each colored stripe is overlaid with subtle geometric patterning that adds textural depth and visual interest to what might otherwise be a purely minimalist design.
The artistic approach reflects the significant influence of Western modernist movements, particularly Art Deco and Bauhaus design principles, which had begun to permeate Japanese decorative arts during this period of increased international cultural exchange. The bold diagonal orientation creates a sense of movement and energy that breaks dramatically with traditional kimono design conventions, while the high-contrast color palette demonstrates a distinctly contemporary sensibility. The incorporation of vertical metallic thread highlights adds luminous accents that catch and reflect light, enhancing the garment's visual impact and ceremonial significance.
This kimono represents a fascinating cultural moment when traditional Japanese textile craftsmanship embraced radical new aesthetic vocabularies. The geometric abstraction and bold color relationships suggest influences from European avant-garde movements, yet the technical execution remains firmly rooted in centuries-old Japanese silk-working traditions. The result is a garment that functions as both fashion statement and cultural artifact. The kimono's dramatic visual presence would have made a powerful statement about its wearer's progressive taste and engagement with contemporary international artistic currents.
The measurements span 50 inches (127 cm) from sleeve-end to sleeve-end and stand at 66 inches (168 cm) in height.