This rinzu silk kimono demonstrates the sophisticated interplay between traditional Japanese motifs and refined textile techniques through its enchanting karabana design. Set against a rich burgundy damask ground, the mythical flowers bloom across the garment in delicate shades of pale pink and cream, their fantastical forms connected by graceful golden scrollwork that creates a continuous flowing pattern. The karabana, or "Chinese flowers," represent an idealized botanical vocabulary drawn from ancient folklore and decorative traditions, embodying flowers that exist beyond the natural world in a realm of pure aesthetic beauty. These mythical blooms, with their stylized petals and ornamental flourishes, symbolize eternal beauty and transcendence, making them particularly appropriate for formal wear where the wearer seeks to embody refined elegance.
The yuzen dyeing technique allows for the subtle gradations and precise detailing visible in each flower, while the foil outlining adds a luminous quality that catches and reflects light, creating movement and depth across the fabric's surface. This combination of techniques reflects the period's mastery of traditional craft methods while embracing a more restrained aesthetic compared to the bold geometric experiments of the era. The overall design philosophy draws from classical Chinese and Japanese decorative arts, where mythical flora served as symbols of good fortune and spiritual refinement. The continuous vine-like arrangement of the karabana creates a sense of organic flow that contrasts beautifully with the structured damask weave beneath, demonstrating the sophisticated layering of pattern and technique that characterized high-quality kimono production during this period.
Measuring 49 inches (124 cm) from sleeve-end to sleeve-end and standing 59 inches (150 cm) tall.