This striking textile originates from Japan’s Taisho period (1912–1926) and is a scholarly example of the era's transition toward bold, larger-scale natural motifs. Measuring 13.75 inches by 56 inches (35 cm x 142 cm), the panel is crafted from a medium-weight crepe silk that boasts a wonderful texture and a fabulous drape. The fabric remains in very good condition, preserving the structural integrity of the crepe weave characteristic of high-quality Taisho-era garments, despite a few barely noticeable patina spots.
The visual narrative is set against a vibrant medium blue ground, featuring a series of bold mulberry leaves. These organic forms are rendered in a refreshing palette of white, creamy yellow, and seafoam green. While traces of original gold outlining remain, much of this embellishment has faded over time, leaving behind a cleaner, more graphic silhouette that emphasizes the rhythmic placement of the leaves. The mulberry leaf is a significant cultural symbol in Japan, representing the vital silk industry, and its expansive, stylized treatment here reflects the romantic and expressive aesthetic of the Taisho years.