Charcoal Meisen Haori: Sage Peonies & Fuchsia Sakura

This light jacket is a visually arresting example of textile design, featuring an older, exquisite meisen fabric made of a silk and rayon blend. The garment is rendered on a deep charcoal-black ground, which provides a dramatic architectural field for its high-contrast botanical composition.

The design is dominated by large-scale, stylized peony (botan) blossoms in a soft sage-green, interspersed with smaller, vibrant fuchsia-pink cherry blossoms (sakura). The meisen technique is evident in the slightly blurred, "shifting" edges of the patterns, achieved by dyeing the threads before weaving. This method gives the floral motifs a dynamic, painterly quality that defines the bold, expressive aesthetic of the early to mid-Showa era. The juxtaposition of the oversized, modern-scale peonies with the scattered pink blossoms creates a rhythmic energy across the body and sleeves, making this piece a masterpiece of graphic decorative art.

Measuring 46 inches from sleeve-end to sleeve-end and standing 36 inches tall (117 cm x 91 cm), it captures the elegance of these floral motifs against the dark backdrop. While it remains in good condition, there are several light stains noticeable on the upper portion and lining.

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