This meisen silk summer kimono is a sophisticated example of mid-century textile design, likely intended for warm-weather wear due to its airy aesthetic. The garment is characterized by a complex, multi-layered composition of geometric and botanical motifs in a refined palette of champagne-gold, sage-grey, and warm terracotta-orange.
The all-over pattern features an architectural arrangement of vertical rectangular cartouches, each containing stylized pink and orange floral sprays. These structured elements are set against a rhythmic background of "cloud" forms, which are filled with intricate white and yellow lattices resembling traditional bamboo fencing or cracked ice patterns. The meisen weaving technique is visible in the crisp yet slightly softened edges of the motifs, a result of the pre-dyed threads used to create the design. This piece beautifully balances the rigid geometry of the cartouches with the fluid, organic movement of the lattice clouds, reflecting the innovative graphic sensibilities of the Showa era.
It spans approximately 50 inches (127 cm) across the shoulders and stands at a height of 58 inches (147 cm).