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This girl's kimono represents a fascinating intersection of traditional Japanese motifs with modern industrial textile production methods, showcasing how silkscreen printing revolutionized kimono design during Japan's period of rapid modernization. The garment features an exuberant pattern of chrysanthemums and peacock feathers arranged in a dense, all-over composition that demonstrates the new possibilities offered by mechanical reproduction techniques. The chrysanthemums, rendered in warm golden oranges and soft cream tones, are juxtaposed with the distinctive eye patterns of peacock feathers in sage green and turquoise, creating a vibrant celebration of natural beauty.
The silkscreen process allowed for the creation of bold, saturated colors and precise repeated motifs that would have been prohibitively expensive to achieve through traditional hand-painting methods. The rich purple background serves as a dramatic foil for the lighter floral and feather elements, while the consistent quality of the printing across the entire garment demonstrates the technical mastery achieved by Japanese textile manufacturers during this period. This democratization of elaborate design reflects broader social changes occurring in Japan, where Western industrial methods were being adapted to serve traditional aesthetic values.
The detail images reveal the remarkable detail achievable through silkscreen printing, showing the intricate structure of both the peacock feathers with their characteristic ocelli (eye spots) and the layered petals of the chrysanthemums. The technique allows for subtle gradations within each motif while maintaining sharp, clean edges that give the overall design a distinctly modern graphic quality. This aesthetic approach suggests connections to the emerging Art Deco movement, with its emphasis on bold patterns and stylized natural forms, while the choice of motifs remains deeply rooted in Japanese symbolic tradition where chrysanthemums represent longevity and peacock feathers signify beauty and protection.
Despite being in good condition, it does have several pinholes and minor imperfections. Its measurements are 31 inches (78.7 cm) from sleeve-end to sleeve-end and 36 inches (91.4 cm) in height.