This meisen silk hitoe kimono features an abstract geometric composition that anticipates mid-century modernist aesthetics by several decades. The design presents a bold patchwork of rectangular blocks in varied textures and colors, including deep teals, warm browns, golden yellows, and cream tones, creating a composition that recalls the work of early abstract painters like Paul Klee or the Bauhaus textile workshops. The yabane (arrow feather) motifs appear in an unconventional horizontal orientation, breaking from traditional vertical or diagonal arrangements and suggesting a more dynamic, contemporary interpretation of this protective symbol that emphasizes forward momentum and progress rather than upward aspiration.
The detail images reveal the sophisticated technical execution of this avant-garde design, where the meisen weaving technique creates subtle variations in texture and tone within each geometric block, while metallic supplementary threads add luminous accents that catch and reflect light across the textile's surface. The dry, raspy texture provides a tactile counterpoint to the visual complexity, creating a sensory experience that bridges traditional craft techniques with radically modern aesthetic vision. This kimono represents a pivotal moment in Japanese textile history when designers were boldly experimenting with non-representational patterns and international design influences, creating garments that challenged conventional notions of appropriate kimono decoration while maintaining technical excellence. The horizontal emphasis of the yabane motifs suggests themes of expansion and exploration, perfectly capturing the spirit of cultural experimentation that characterized Japan's engagement with global modernist movements during the pre-war period.
Measuring 51 inches (130 cm) from sleeve-end to sleeve-end, it stands at 57 inches (145 cm) in height.