Purple Rinzu Silk Kimono: White Silkscreened Matsuba Pine

This silk kimono is a striking example of mid-century textile design, combining traditional weaving with modern printing techniques. The garment features a deep purple rinzu (damask) base, which provides a lustrous, figured texture that catches the light as the fabric moves. Overlaid on this dark ground is a bold, silkscreened pattern of stylized white pine needles (matsuba). These motifs are rendered with sharp, radiating lines, creating a sense of dynamic, explosive energy that contrasts beautifully against the saturated purple field.

Symbolically, the pine needle represents longevity, steadfastness, and endurance, as the pine tree remains green throughout the winter. In this specific design, the needles are clustered into fan-like starbursts, a graphic interpretation often seen in the early to mid-Show era. The use of silkscreening allows for a crisp, high-contrast aesthetic that feels both painterly and architectural. This piece exemplifies the evolution of Japanese formal wear, where classical auspicious symbols were reimagined through a modernist lens to create garments of significant visual power and refined elegance.

It's in very good condition, measuring 49 inches (124 cm) from sleeve-end to sleeve-end and standing at a height of 56 inches (142 cm).

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