This striking kurotomesode features araiso (jumping carp) motifs rendered in vibrant blues, pinks, and turquoise against a deep black ro gauze ground, creating a composition that pulses with movement and energy. The carp are depicted leaping through stylized raging waters, their scales meticulously detailed and their forms outlined with couching embroidery that adds dimensional texture to the yuzen-painted surfaces.
The artistic treatment draws heavily from the ukiyo-e tradition, particularly echoing the dynamic wave patterns and bold compositional arrangements found in works like Hokusai's famous wave prints. The carp motif carries profound symbolic significance in Japanese culture, representing perseverance, strength, and the ability to overcome obstacles—qualities derived from the fish's legendary ability to swim upstream and transform into dragons. This symbolism makes the design particularly appropriate for formal occasions, as kurotomesode are worn by married women at celebrations and ceremonies. The strategic placement of the motifs around the hem creates a sense of the carp emerging from and diving back into turbulent waters, while the black ground provides dramatic contrast that allows the brilliant colors to appear almost luminescent. The ro gauze construction, with its open weave structure, demonstrates the garment's seasonal specificity for summer wear, while the technical mastery evident in combining yuzen dyeing with embroidered details showcases the Japanese textile craftsmanship during this period of cultural refinement and artistic innovation.
It measures 48 inches (122 cm) from sleeve-end to sleeve-end and stands at a height of 62 inches (157 cm).