This vibrant rinzu silk kimono  exemplifies the bold aesthetic sensibilities of Japan's modern era, when traditional motifs were reinterpreted through contemporary color palettes and design approaches. The garment presents a striking visual composition built around the interplay of curved and angular elements.

The dominant pattern features karakusa (arabesque) motifs - flowing, vine-like scrollwork that creates continuous curvilinear movement across the fabric. These organic forms are punctuated by tsubaki (camellia) blossoms rendered in white with coral-pink centers and detailed with teal blue accents. The camellias, symbols of divine love and faithfulness in Japanese culture, are depicted with naturalistic detail that contrasts beautifully with the more stylized arabesque elements.

The color scheme is particularly bold for its time - alternating vertical stripes of brilliant golden yellow, deep magenta, and pale gray create a rhythmic backdrop that energizes the entire composition. This striped foundation demonstrates the period's embrace of more dynamic, graphic approaches to kimono design, moving away from the subtler earth tones traditionally favored.

The technical achievement lies in the contrast between the curved karakusa and tsubaki motifs against the geometric sayagata ground pattern. The sayagata - a traditional interlocking swastika pattern (in its original, pre-20th century Western context as an ancient symbol of good fortune) - creates a subtle figured silk background that adds textural depth without competing with the primary design elements. It measures approximately 51 inches (130 cm) across the shoulders and stands at about 59 inches (150 cm) in height. The upper inner lining (doura) is hand-spun and woven silk, while the lower lining (hakkake) is crafted from kinsha (fine crepe).

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This artwork is featured on page 219 of Art Kimono: Aesthetic Revelations of Japan, 1905-1960. This book, published by Yorke Antique Textiles, can be previewed or purchased on our website here.

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