This silk/rayon blend hitoe summer kimono presents a striking example of textile design that masterfully balances traditional Japanese motifs with the geometric sensibilities of international Art Deco and modernist movements. The bold checkerboard composition alternates between sections of deep teal horizontal stripes and dramatic black grounds populated with yabane (arrow feather) motifs rendered in vibrant coral red, pristine white, golden yellow, and emerald green. This systematic alternation creates a dynamic visual rhythm that transforms the kimono into a sophisticated study in pattern and counter-pattern, reflecting the period's fascination with industrial design principles and geometric abstraction while maintaining distinctly Japanese cultural references.
The yabane motif carries profound symbolic significance in Japanese culture, representing protection from evil and the ability to move forward without looking back - themes that resonated powerfully during Japan's period of rapid modernization and military expansion in the 1930s. The arrow feathers are depicted with a contemporary stylization that emphasizes their linear, almost aerodynamic qualities, enhanced by accents of supplementary silver metallic threads that add luminosity and movement to the design. The technical achievement of this piece lies in its complex weaving structure, where the lightweight hitoe construction suitable for summer wear accommodates multiple colors and metallic elements while maintaining the crisp definition necessary for such precise geometric patterning. The silk/rayon blend reflects the era's embrace of new synthetic materials, allowing for more affordable production while achieving the lustrous surface quality that makes both the stripes and arrow motifs appear to shimmer and shift as light moves across the fabric.
It possesses a dry, raspy texture and measures 49 inches (124 cm) from sleeve-end to sleeve-end, standing at a height of 59 inches (150 cm).