This silk kimono features precisely woven vertical stripes in deep indigo blue alternating with rich burgundy, cream, and dark green bands, punctuated by delicate metallic thread inserts that add subtle luminosity to the overall composition. The design demonstrates the influence of both traditional Japanese縞 (shima) stripe patterns and the period's growing awareness of European textile design, particularly the clean geometric lines that would later influence Art Deco aesthetics.
The vertical striping pattern carries multiple layers of cultural significance within Japanese textile tradition, where such designs were associated with merchant class clothing and represented ideals of precision, order, and prosperity. The incorporation of metallic threads reflects the Meiji period's embrace of technological innovation and luxury materials, while the sophisticated color palette of indigo, burgundy, and cream demonstrates the refined taste that characterized upper-class dress during this era of cultural transformation. The precise execution of the weave, visible in the detail image's clean color transitions and consistent thread tension, showcases the high level of craftsmanship that Japanese textile artisans maintained even as they adapted to changing aesthetic preferences and new production techniques.
Measuring 48 inches (122 cm) from sleeve-end to sleeve-end and 59 inches (150 cm) in height.