A rayon hitoe (unlined) 'sha' (gauze) summer kimono featuring what may be rhubarb-leaf motifs. The leaves are woven, with hand-painted highlights (see detail images). Gritty texture. 50" from sleeve-end to sleeve-end x 58" height. Rayon production, "artificial silk" created from wood pulp, became a popular and durable alternative to silk in Japans during the 1920's and 1930's. However, rayon was still limited to about 10% of kimonos, with the vast majority of Japanese choosing traditional silk. This example, with its subtle blue and yellow-colored large leaves on a black background, has a sophisticated and 'modern' sensibility.