This haori is a fascinating example of a bunka jin (cultured person) garment, popular among intellectuals and artists during the 1912-1940 period. The focal point is a stylized yuzen-painted royal cart, referencing the ox-drawn carriages of Heian era nobility. Delicate lines of gold, executed in metallic thread, floss embroidery, and foil, highlight this central motif, creating a luminous contrast against the dark fabric. The cart's design, elegant and abstract, captures the essence of courtly refinement while embracing a more modern, streamlined aesthetic.
Scattered across the artwork are abstract fan shapes in various sizes, crafted with urushi (lacquer) threads. These fans, a classic motif in Japanese art, are reimagined here with geometric simplicity, echoing Art Deco influences. They appear in muted tones of olive green, silver, and bronze, adding depth and texture to the overall design.
Interspersed among the visual elements are fragments of poetry, likely alluding to the romantic literature of the Heian period. These calligraphic elements, painted freehand with embroidery embellishments, add a lyrical quality to the piece and reinforce its connection to classical Japanese culture. The calligraphy introduces a layer of dynamic movement and spontaneity to the design, reminiscent of Abstract Expressionist works where the artist's gesture and the act of creation itself are emphasized.
Dimensions: 49 inches (124 cm) from sleeve-end to sleeve-end and 40 inches (102 cm) in height.