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This chirimen silk kimono represents a masterful application of katazome stenciling techniques, creating a complex botanical composition that bridges traditional Japanese motifs with the bold graphic sensibilities that emerged during Japan's post-war cultural renaissance. The design demonstrates the sophisticated use of multiple stencils to build layers of pattern, with large-scale chrysanthemums in coral and burgundy serving as primary focal points, while sage green circular forms—possibly stylized water lily pads or abstract floral medallions—provide rhythmic counterpoints throughout the composition. The flowing linear elements that weave between these larger motifs suggest water currents or wind patterns, embodying the Japanese aesthetic principle of capturing natural movement within decorative arts.
The stenciling technique employed here showcases the precision possible with traditional katazome methods, where rice paste resist is applied through intricately cut paper stencils to create clean, graphic forms with sharp edges and consistent color saturation. This approach reflects the influence of mid-century modernist design principles, particularly in the bold scale relationships and the simplified, almost abstract treatment of natural forms. The chrysanthemum motifs, rendered with dotted textures that create visual depth and dimensional quality, carry profound symbolic meaning as emblems of autumn, longevity, and imperial authority, while their stylized presentation suggests the period's embrace of decorative modernization.
The flowing, interconnected composition recalls both Art Nouveau's organic linearity and the emerging Pop Art movement's bold graphic approach, while maintaining distinctly Japanese characteristics in its asymmetrical balance and seasonal symbolism. The sophisticated color palette of muted earth tones punctuated by vibrant coral and burgundy accents reflects the period's movement toward more nuanced color relationships, moving beyond the stark contrasts of earlier decades toward a more complex visual harmony that would influence Japanese textile design for generations.
Measures 50 inches (126 cm) from sleeve-end to sleeve-end, with a height of 57 inches (145 cm).