This exquisite hand-painted artwork originates from Japan, dating to the early Showa period (1926–1940), and serves as an original design sheet for a traditional sliding door or fusuma. Measuring approximately 11 inches by 13 inches (28 cm x 33 cm), the piece is meticulously rendered on a silk canvas front with a protective paper backing. The artwork is in very good condition, showcasing a sophisticated horizontal composition that balances stark monochromatic areas with intricate floral detail.
The visual narrative features a central horizontal band of deep indigo blue, which provides a dramatic contrast to the creamy, natural silk ground above and below. Within this dark field, clusters of plum blossoms (ume) are depicted in a rich autumnal palette of white, silver, and copper-bronze. The blossoms on the left are arranged in a dense, upward-reaching cluster, while the larger grouping on the right flows horizontally, suggesting a branch extending across the door's surface. Each flower is outlined in a fine, shimmering silver or white, adding a graphic clarity to the hand-painted forms. This arrangement reflects the refined decorative transition in pre-war Japan, where traditional seasonal motifs were often reimagined with bold, modern framing.