Base fabric: plain weave
Size style: Chu-haori
Family crests (mon) present: none
Dimensions: 44 inches (112 cm) from sleeve-end to sleeve-end and 33 inches (84 cm) in height
This haori is a vivid example of the shibori dyeing technique, presenting an eye-catching geometric pattern, creating a mesmerizing visual effect. The dominant color is a rich, vibrant blue that ranges from deep indigo to lighter azure tones. This blue is contrasted by a warm reddish-orange that forms a lattice-like structure across the fabric, dividing it into diamond-shaped sections. The shibori technique used here demonstrates exceptional skill and precision, yielding a starburst or radiating effect within each diamond, with the blue dye fading outward from a central point, creating a sense of depth and dimensionality. The bold geometric pattern and vibrant color contrast are reminiscent of Op Art, which emerged in the West during the 1960s and focused on creating optical illusions and visual effects. The repetitive diamond shapes and their internal radial patterns call to mind the work of artists like Victor Vasarely or Bridget Riley. The intense, saturated colors used in this haori also hint at influences from the Psychedelic Art movement, which celebrated vibrant and contrasting color palettes to create visually stimulating and almost hallucinogenic experiences. The interplay of blue and red within the diamond shapes, with white highlights accentuating the pattern, contributes to this bold and dramatic aesthetic. The overall composition, with its rhythmic, all-over pattern, also shares qualities with certain Abstract Expressionist works, particularly those exploring color field techniques.