Base fabric: plain weave

Size style: Naga-haori

Family crests (mon) present: none

Dimensions: 49 inches (124 cm) from sleeve-end to sleeve-end and 37 inches (94 cm) in height

This piece is distinguished by its masterful execution of the shibori tie-dyeing technique, showcased in the stylized floral medallions set against a rich indigo-purple background. The design demonstrates sophisticated complexity achievable through shibori, where precise binding and folding techniques create the radial patterns of the medallions in soft yellow and sage green hues. The background itself shows a subtle all-over pattern created through resist-dyeing. The composition is particularly striking in its modern sensibility, despite emerging from traditional Japanese textile techniques. The arrangement of the floral medallions shows a sophisticated understanding of space and rhythm that anticipates aspects of mid-century modern design. Each medallion is created through careful manipulation of the fabric before dyeing, resulting in characteristic shibori "sunburst" patterns that give each flower a sense of radiating energy. The color combination is especially notable - the contrast between the deep purple-blue background and the golden-green medallions creates a dramatic visual impact. The way the dye has penetrated the fabric creates subtle variations in tone that add richness and depth to the overall design. This interplay of colors and the organic quality of the dye patterns demonstrates the Japanese aesthetic principle of controlled randomness within structured design. What's particularly fascinating is how this traditional shibori piece shows aesthetic affinities with Western artistic movements, particularly in its abstract interpretation of natural forms and its bold, graphic quality that resonates with aspects of Art Deco and mid-century modern design. The technical virtuosity required to achieve such precise geometric patterns through the shibori process speaks to the sophisticated understanding of both design and material manipulation in Japanese textile arts.

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