This evocative textile originates from Japan’s mid-Showa period (1940–1960) and is a scholarly example of the atmospheric, experimental dyeing techniques that defined mid-century silk design. Measuring an impressive 14 inches by 83 inches (36 cm x 211 cm), this elongated panel was extracted from a high-quality kimono and remains in excellent condition. The substrate is a refined silk featuring a complex, mottled background achieved through a sophisticated airbrushing technique that mimics the organic texture of weathered metal or dark rust.

The visual narrative is defined by a series of rhythmic, undulating wave patterns executed in the shibori (resist-dyeing) tradition. These waves consist of fine, ivory-colored dotted lines that arc gracefully across the panel, creating a sense of continuous horizontal movement within a vertical frame. The contrast between the precise, granular texture of the shibori resists and the soft, moody gradients of the dark rust-toned background reflects a post-war aesthetic that favored naturalistic textures and subtle, non-traditional color palettes.

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