This meisen silk haori showcases a dramatic composition of chrysanthemum blooms rendered in luminous golden yellow against a complex geometric ground of deep forest green and brown. The design demonstrates clear influence from Art Deco's emphasis on pattern and repetition, while the chrysanthemum motifs maintain their distinctly Japanese character through their naturalistic rendering and asymmetrical placement. The background's intricate crosshatched pattern creates a rich textural foundation that recalls both traditional textile techniques and the period's fascination with industrial imagery and geometric abstraction.
The chrysanthemum, Japan's imperial flower and symbol of autumn, carries profound cultural significance representing longevity, rejuvenation, and nobility. During this period of rapid modernization and social change, the prominence of this traditional motif suggests both cultural continuity and the enduring strength of Japanese identity. The vibrant shibori-dyed inner lining, with its gradient from golden yellow to coral orange, reveals the garment's hidden luxury and demonstrates the period's technical innovation in textile dyeing. This interior burst of warm color creates a striking contrast with the exterior's more subdued palette, embodying the Japanese aesthetic concept of iki—sophisticated restraint with hidden depths of beauty.
It measures approximately 49 inches (124 cm) across the shoulders and stands 38 inches (97 cm) in height.