This silk kimono, features has a bold, graphic composition of its woven vertical stripes, a pattern known in Japan as shima. The choice of a strong, contrasting color palette—deep indigo blue, a rich terracotta brown, and a creamy off-white—gives the garment a confident and modern sensibility. The close-up image reveals the intricate texture of the silk weave, confirming that the stripes are integral to the fabric's construction, a testament to the textile's quality.

The kimono’s design distinctly evokes the aesthetics of Western art movements that were highly influential in Japan during this era, particularly Art Deco. The emphasis on clean, geometric lines, rhythmic repetition, and a strong, flat sense of pattern aligns perfectly with Art Deco principles. This period, often called "Taishō Roman," was characterized by a fusion of Japanese tradition with imported modernity. While a simple striped pattern does not carry the complex narrative symbolism of pictorial motifs like cranes or cherry blossoms, shima patterns were themselves a symbol of the chic, modern, and fashionable. Popular since the Edo period, stripes were considered a sophisticated and worldly design, expressing an aesthetic of iki, or effortless style.

Overall, it's in good condition, albeit with some imperfections. The most notable issue is small inconsistencies where the fabric lengths were stitched together, causing the fabric not to lie flat in certain areas. Its measurements span 50 inches (127 cm) from sleeve-end to sleeve-end and stand at 58 inches (147 cm) in height.

This artwork is featured on page 131 of Art Kimono: Aesthetic Revelations of Japan, 1905-1960. This book, published by Yorke Antique Textiles, can be previewed or purchased on our website here.

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