Base fabric: figured silk (rinzu) with subtle floral motifs
Size style: Chu-haori
Family crests (mon) present: none
Dimensions: 50 inches (127 cm) from sleeve-end to sleeve-end and 30 inches (76 cm) in height
This striking haori showcases a remarkably modern abstract design that parallels developments in Abstract Expressionism. Against a deep black background, the design features an intricate network of curved, intersecting lines in pale mint green, coral, silver-grey, and golden yellow that create a dynamic sense of movement across the entire surface.
The composition is particularly notable for its seemingly random yet harmoniously balanced arrangement of curved lines that crisscross the fabric, creating a sophisticated network of overlapping arcs. This aesthetic strongly resonates with the gestural abstraction in Western Abstract Expressionism, particularly reminiscent of works by artists like Jackson Pollock, though emerging from a distinctly Japanese context and sensibility. The controlled spontaneity of the lines suggests both movement and stillness, a paradox often explored in Japanese aesthetics.
The color palette is sophisticated and subtle, with the pale, luminous lines appearing to float against the deep black background, creating a sense of depth and spatial ambiguity. The way these lines interact and intersect creates a rhythmic pattern that feels both carefully planned and organically evolved, demonstrating the Japanese aesthetic principle of controlled chaos.