Base fabric: silk crepe (chirimen) in plain weave

Size style: Naga-haori

Family crests (mon) present: one

Dimensions: 50 inches (127 cm) from sleeve-end to sleeve-end and 37 inches (94 cm) in height

This haori features a striking design that integrates traditional Japanese motifs with a sophisticated aesthetic sensibility. The chrysanthemum, peony, and maple leaf motifs are rendered in soft yet vivid hues of lavender, gold, cream, and peach, creating a harmonious interplay against the deep black silk background. The geometric gold lattice structure framing these floral elements adds a modernist touch that resonates with Art Deco aesthetics, characterized by clean lines, geometric patterns, and a sense of opulence.

The overall composition is reflective of Japanese design principles, such as ma (negative space), which emphasizes balance and minimalism. The contrast between the bold black ground and the delicate floral forms showcases kirei-sabi, a Japanese aesthetic that blends elegance with simplicity. Additionally, the stylized depiction of flowers and leaves, along with the bold yet balanced use of color, suggests an affinity with early 20th-century Art Nouveau in its celebration of organic forms and fluidity.

It’s also worth noting that the use of seasonal motifs, such as chrysanthemums and maple leaves, connects the design to traditional Japanese cultural symbolism, where these elements often evoke autumn and the impermanence of nature.

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