This elegant antique textile originates from the transitional period between the Taisho and early Showa eras (1920–1940), capturing the sophisticated narrative style of pre-war formal wear. Measuring 14 inches by 56 inches (36 cm x 142 cm), the panel is a complete section of historic silk preserved in very good condition. The substrate is a rich, wine-purple silk that provides a regal and deeply saturated foundation for the decorative imagery. While the piece shows some authentic patina in the white areas and a few small vintage spots, these characteristics underscore its century-long history without compromising its structural integrity.
The visual narrative is composed of a rhythmic, vertical arrangement of scattered cards, or karuta, which serve as frames for a variety of auspicious botanical symbols. Featured within these rectangular and square motifs are ume (plum blossoms) symbolizing longevity, narcissus representing the New Year and good fortune, and tachibana (citrus) signifying healing and eternal youth. The cards are rendered in a palette of soft cream and pale seafoam green, creating a multi-layered, floating effect against the dark wine field. This "poem card" aesthetic was a highly favored scholarly motif, blending literary allusions with a refined, painterly approach to seasonal transitions.