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This meisen silk kimono's design features bold vertical stripes in vibrant coral-orange and deep blue that create a strong structural framework across the garment. Against this striped ground, stylized iris flowers (hanashōbu) are rendered in flowing, linear forms that demonstrate clear Art Nouveau influences. The iris motifs are executed with graceful, sinuous lines that emphasize the natural curves and movement of the flowers, while their simplified, graphic treatment reflects the period's embrace of Art Deco stylization.
The meisen weaving technique was revolutionary for its time, allowing for complex pictorial designs to be woven directly into the fabric rather than applied through dyeing or printing. This process involved a sophisticated pre-dyeing of warp threads using stencils before weaving, creating designs with remarkable precision and color saturation. The detail images reveal the characteristic texture of meisen weaving, where individual threads create a subtle pointillistic effect that gives the design both clarity and vibrancy.
The supplementary thread highlights visible in the close-ups add dimensional richness to certain elements, likely emphasizing the iris petals and leaves with metallic or contrasting colored threads that catch light and create textural interest.
The bold color palette and modernist aesthetic reflect Japan's engagement with international design trends while maintaining distinctly Japanese floral symbolism and compositional sensibilities.
The fabric texture is slightly dry and gritty to the touch. It boasts a cotton upper inside lining and a silk lower lining, combining comfort and elegance. The kimono measures 49 inches (124.5 cm) from sleeve-end to sleeve-end and stands 58 inches (147.3 cm) tall.