Summer Gauze Kimono with Sensu and Botan Motifs

This unlined semi-transparent summer kimono exemplifies the sophisticated textile techniques employed to create elegant warm-weather garments that balance visual refinement with practical coolness. The sheer ground fabric—likely ro or sha gauze weave—allows air circulation while providing a dramatic dark backdrop for the ornamental motifs.

Scattered sensu (folding fans) float across the surface in two contrasting treatments. Cream-colored fans feature intricate floral compositions with golden-yellow botan (peonies) at their centers, surrounded by delicate scrolling foliage in gray-green tones that create lace-like intricacy. Complementing these, teal-blue fans display seigaiha (wave pattern) or stylized floral designs, their deeper color providing visual counterpoint.

The distinctive technique employs urushi-coated threads—lacquer-treated fibers that create subtle sheen and dimensional texture—combined with metallic threads that catch light as the wearer moves. This specialized approach produces motifs with almost raised, tactile quality that distinguishes them from printed or standard woven designs. The lacquered threads also provide slight stiffness that helps the delicate imagery maintain crisp definition against the gossamer ground.

The dark, semi-transparent fabric would reveal glimpses of undergarments beneath, creating the layered visual depth prized in refined Japanese dress. Fans symbolize expanding fortune and suggest cooling breezes—doubly appropriate imagery for a summer garment.

It maintains a very good condition and measures 49 inches (124.5 cm) from sleeve-end to sleeve-end, with a height of 59 inches (149.9 cm). Detailed closeups in the provided images illustrate the intricate techniques used to create the fan motifs, highlighting the exquisite craftsmanship of this elegant garment.

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