This meisen silk kimono features an eye-catching combination of large-scale floral motifs rendered in soft cream and yellow tones with subtle coral centers, set against a vibrant blue background decorated with the traditional asanoha (hemp leaf) geometric pattern. The asanoha motif, with its radiating star-like forms, traditionally symbolizes growth, prosperity, and protection from evil, making it a popular choice for kimono design throughout Japanese history.
The detail images reveal the sophisticated weaving technique characteristic of meisen silk, where the fabric's structure creates a subtle pixelated or mosaic-like quality to the imagery. This particular example appears to show floral elements in warm reds and oranges against a yellow ground, demonstrating the complex color interactions possible with this weaving method. The horizontal metal inserts add a distinctly Art Deco sensibility to the garment, reflecting the period's fascination with industrial materials and geometric embellishment. This fusion of traditional Japanese motifs with modernist design principles exemplifies the cultural synthesis occurring in Japan during this era, when Western artistic influences were being creatively integrated with indigenous aesthetic traditions. The bold scale of the floral elements and the striking color contrasts align with the broader international movement toward simplified, graphic design that characterized the 1920s and 1930s.
Though there's minor staining on the inner cotton lining, it measures 49 inches (124 cm) from sleeve-end to sleeve-end and stands at 58 inches (147 cm) in height.