Woven Hitoe Kimono with Roses and Teal Blossom Motifs

This hitoe (unlined) kimono showcases the technical achievement of creating complex imagery entirely through weaving, with all motifs integrated into the fabric's structure rather than applied to its surface. The relatively stiff hand suggests a structured weave.

The design features large, luxuriously rendered bara (roses) in pale gold and cream tones, their tightly layered petals swirling with naturalistic dimensionality despite being created through woven threads alone. These Western flowers—which became fashionable in Japanese textiles during the Meiji through early Shōwa periods—float across a ground of small teal-blue blossoms, possibly kiku (chrysanthemums) or stylized wildflowers, creating dense botanical texture. Irregular patches of warm brown drift through the composition like kasumi (mist), adding atmospheric depth and visual movement.

The sophisticated color palette of gold, teal, and brown demonstrates refined taste, avoiding bright summer hues in favor of complex, subdued tones that read as mature and elegant.

The measurements are 49 inches (124.5 cm) from sleeve-end to sleeve-end and a height of 57 inches (144.8 cm).

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