This meisen kimono presents a masterful study in botanical pattern design that demonstrates the sophisticated interplay between naturalistic representation and decorative abstraction. The composition features bold black camellia blossoms scattered across a warm, earthy salmon-pink ground, creating a striking contrast that gives the design both dramatic impact and organic harmony.

The artistic approach here reflects the Japanese aesthetic principle of capturing the essence of nature while stylizing it for decorative purposes. The camellias are rendered with confident, simplified forms - each bloom defined by bold black silhouettes with crisp white outlines that give them graphic clarity and dimensional presence. The accompanying foliage in deep forest green provides rhythmic movement throughout the composition, creating visual pathways that guide the eye across the garment's surface.

What's particularly sophisticated about this design is the scale relationships and spatial arrangement. The camellias vary in size and orientation, some appearing as full frontal blooms while others show profile views, creating a natural sense of depth and botanical variety. The irregular scatter pattern avoids mechanical repetition, instead suggesting the organic randomness of flowers blooming in a garden.

The color palette demonstrates remarkable restraint and sophistication - the warm salmon ground provides an unexpected but harmonious backdrop for the traditional combination of black flowers and green leaves. This unconventional color choice elevates the design beyond typical floral patterns, giving it a modern sensibility that would have been quite progressive for its era.

It measures 49 inches (124.5 cm) in width and 59 inches (149.9 cm) in height.

Previously published in the publication Art Kimono: Aesthetic Revelations of Japan, 1905-1960, p 189

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