This silk kimono demonstrates both technical mastery and profound cultural significance through its hollyhock (aoi) motifs. The garment reflects the sophisticated weaving traditions associated with Japan's most prestigious religious and cultural institutions.

The complete kimono displays an elegant composition where large-scale golden hollyhock leaves are distributed across a rich burgundy ground decorated with flowing scroll patterns in lighter tones. The leaves appear in alternating golden yellow and teal green, accompanied by smaller purple leaf motifs and delicate floral clusters that create visual rhythm across the garment's surface. The overall design demonstrates the refined aesthetic sensibilities of the late Taisho and early Showa periods, when traditional motifs were being interpreted with increased boldness and scale. The thick silk construction and complex color palette suggest this was indeed a garment of considerable value, likely commissioned by a family of substantial wealth and cultural awareness.

The detail views reveal the extraordinary technical achievement of the woven construction, showing how the hollyhock motifs are created through complex weaving rather than surface decoration. The golden leaves demonstrate a sophisticated use of metallic threads or specialized silk that creates areas of lustrous contrast against the matte burgundy ground. The precision of the leaf's radiating vein structure and the subtle gradations within each motif speak to the exceptional skill of the weavers involved in this production.

The cultural significance of this piece extends far beyond its aesthetic beauty. The hollyhock motif connects directly to Japan's most ancient and revered Shinto traditions, particularly the Kamo Shrine in Kyoto and the famous Aoi Matsuri (Hollyhock Festival). This association would have been immediately recognized by contemporary viewers as indicating not only wealth but also cultural refinement and possibly geographic connection to Kyoto's aristocratic traditions. The choice of this motif suggests the original owner's family held deep respect for these sacred institutions and understood the prestige associated with such symbolic connections.

Measurements:  49 inches (124 cm) from sleeve-end to sleeve-end and standing at 59 inches (150 cm) in height.

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