The chirimen (crepe) silk unlined summer kimono you've described is a remarkable piece adorned with pigmented painted fatsia japonica leaves and cherry blossoms. Measuring 49 inches (124 cm) from sleeve-end to sleeve-end and 57 inches (145 cm) in height, this kimono is made from a very pronounced crepe, characterized by twisted silk threads, offering a unique texture to the fabric.

The artist's use of fatsia japonica leaves as a motif on a Japanese kimono is rare. Fatsia japonica, commonly known as 'yatsude,' is a frequently found household garden plant in Japan. The large evergreen leaves resemble outstretched hands, symbolizing the gathering of good fortune and prosperity. With typically 7 or 9 'fingers' per leaf, odd numbers are considered to bring good luck according to Japanese tradition.

In addition to the fatsia leaves, cherry blossoms adorn this kimono, symbolizing clouds due to their characteristic mass blooming. Cherry blossoms are a poignant metaphor for the fleeting nature of life, evoking the transient beauty and quick demise associated with mortality.

This kimono stands out not just for its motifs but also for its exceptional technique and artwork. The assumption is that the artist applied pigmented colors onto the crepe silk by brushing, meticulously creating gradients within the fatsia leaves, resulting in an exquisite masterpiece. Its uniqueness and artistry make it a one-of-a-kind painted kimono, representing a true masterpiece in the realm of kimono craftsmanship and design.

This artwork is featured on page 59 of Art Kimono: Aesthetic Revelations of Japan, 1905-1960. This book, published by Yorke Antique Textiles, can be previewed or purchased on our website here.

This piece also featured on page 133 of the January-February 2018 edition of Arts of Asia.

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