Base fabric: Fine silk crepe (kinsha) in plain weave

Size style: Naga-haori

Family crests (mon) present: none (only informal, decorative ones)

Dimensions: 48 inches (122 cm) from sleeve-end to sleeve-end and 37 inches (94 cm) in height

Early to mid-20th-century design sensibilities emerge in this piece, displaying a fascinating interplay of Japanese aesthetics and potential influences from Western art movements. The design incorporates sweeping curved bands in mauve and butter yellow that create a dynamic sense of movement, reminiscent of flowing water or undulating landscapes. The color palette appears earthy and warm, suggesting a connection to traditional Japanese aesthetics that often favored natural hues. However, the specific combination and vibrancy of these colors, particularly the strong burnt orange, also point towards an affinity with modern Western art movements. The overall aesthetic is reminiscent of Art Deco, which was popular globally during the1920s and 1930s. Art Deco often featured streamlined, geometric shapes, but in a more organic manner when influenced by Japanese aesthetics, as seen here. There is also similarities with the Art Nouveau movement, with its emphasis on flowing lines and natural forms, although the execution is bolder and more abstract on this haori. The design can be seen as an example of the Japanese reinterpreting and modernizing their own art forms. Superimposed on this flowing backdrop are three circular crests, which add a layer of cultural significance to the garment, grounding the abstract design in Japanese tradition.

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