Base fabric: figured silk (rinzu) with very subtle faux-shibori pattern resembling bamboo grass

Size style: Naga-haori

Family crests (mon) present: none

Dimensions: 48 inches (122 cm) from sleeve-end to sleeve-end and 40 inches (102 cm) in height

Bold, large-scale floral patterns distinguish this piece, exemplifying the modernist turn in Japanese textile design during the early to mid-20th century. The design showcases flowers against a deep red background, with teal-blue and gray leaves creating a dynamic contrast. The flowers emerge in a semi-naturalistic style that bridges traditional Japanese botanical illustration with modern graphic sensibilities. The composition is particularly striking in its use of scale and spacing. The large blooms are arranged in an asymmetrical pattern that creates a sense of movement and rhythm across the garment, demonstrating the Japanese design principle of flowing movement (nagare). This bold approach to scale and pattern anticipates similar treatments that would become popular in Western modern design, particularly in textiles of the 1950s and 1960s. The color palette is sophisticated and modern, combining the dramatic red background with white blooms, teal-blue leaves, and gray foliage. This color combination creates a strong visual impact while maintaining elegance through its limited palette. The details within the flower centers adda subtle decorative element that enriches the overall design without overwhelming it. The pattern shows influence from both traditional Japanese textile design and modern artistic movements. While the subject matter is quintessentially Japanese, the treatment of the motifs - their scale, spacing, and graphic quality - shows an awareness of modernist design principles. The way the flowers and leaves are arranged creates a perfect balance between positive and negative space, demonstrating the Japanese concept of "ma"(間)or meaningful space, while the bold scale of the motifs reflects a more contemporary aesthetic that would later become popular in mid-century modern design.

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