Purple Rinzu Silk Haori: Stenciled Kiku & Water Patterns

This rinzu (damask) silk haori is crafted from a saturated purple silk ground, featuring a subtle, all-over woven wave pattern that provides a lustrous and architectural foundation. Overlaid on this base is a rhythmic composition of large-scale stenciled kiku (chrysanthemum) blossoms in shades of lemon-yellow, cream, and deep terracotta-red.

The floral motifs are interspersed with vertical rectangular cartouches containing a dynamic turquoise-and-white swirling water pattern (kanze-mizu), which adds a sharp, graphic contrast to the soft, organic forms of the petals. This piece represents the "high-color" aesthetic of the mid-Showa era, where classical botanical imagery was reimagined with a bold, 20th-century sense of scale and color saturation. The juxtaposition of the structured geometric panels with the free-flowing floral sprays creates a sense of constant visual movement, making it a masterpiece of decorative expression.

The garment  features long sleeves and a small size, likely belonged to a young, unmarried woman, possibly a teenager. Despite its age, it remains in very good condition, although there is some staining on the inner lining. Measuring 46 inches (117 cm) from sleeve-end to sleeve-end, it stands at 33 inches (84 cm) in height, reflecting youthful vibrancy despite minor imperfections.