This elegant summer kimono from the Showa period demonstrates the sophisticated artistry achievable through omeshi weaving, a technique that creates subtle textural variations and lustrous effects through the use of pre-twisted threads. The design presents a masterful composition of flowing water elements rendered in teal and rust tones that cascade diagonally across the deep brown ground, punctuated by graceful white swallows in flight. The wave patterns, with their characteristic foam-like crests and rhythmic curves, evoke the dynamic movement of rushing water, while the swallows appear to ride the currents with effortless grace, creating a sense of perpetual motion and seasonal transition.

The symbolic pairing of waves and swallows carries profound meaning in Japanese aesthetic tradition, representing the eternal cycles of departure and return, as swallows migrate seasonally and waves perpetually advance and recede. This motif speaks to themes of fidelity, hope, and renewal—swallows being celebrated for their loyalty in returning to the same nesting sites each spring, while waves symbolize purification and the cleansing power of nature. The omeshi weaving technique creates a distinctive crinkled texture through the use of highly twisted silk or rayon threads that contract during the weaving process, resulting in the fabric's characteristic puckered surface and subtle light-reflecting qualities. This innovative approach to traditional motifs reflects the period's embrace of both technological advancement and enduring cultural values, producing a garment that would have provided comfort during Japan's humid summers while maintaining the sophisticated aesthetic standards expected of quality kimono design.

Measures 48 inches (121.9 cm) from sleeve-end to sleeve-end and stands at a height of 56 inches (142.2 cm).

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