This classical textile originates from the late Meiji period (1890–1912) and is a scholarly example of the refined elegance that characterized high-status garments at the turn of the century. Measuring 14 inches by 58 inches (36 cm x 147 cm), the panel is crafted from high-quality silk and remains in very good condition, though it displays a storied patina through a few minor holes and the partial loss of its original metal couching. The design is set against a subtle ichimatsu (checkerboard) ground of alternating cream and champagne gold blocks.
The visual narrative centers on the hanaguruma (flower carriage), a motif derived from the ox-drawn carriages of the Heian-period nobility, overflowing with seasonal blossoms. These carriages are meticulously rendered with hand-embroidery in vibrant orange, deep purple, and white, featuring intricate floral patterns on the wheels and carriage bodies. To further elevate the design, metal-thread couching accents were used to define the structural lines of the wheels and the trailing tassels, a technique where shimmering threads are laid on the surface and secured with silk. This combination of aristocratic themes and labor-intensive hand-embellishment reflects the Meiji era's dedication to preserving the "Old Japan" aesthetic during a period of rapid modernization.