This men's juban (under-kimono) showcases the innovative use of silk-screening technology to create complex patterning on chirimen silk crepe, including a sophisticated faux-batik background that demonstrates the period's fascination with reproducing traditional hand-resist dyeing methods through mechanized processes. This technological approach allowed for the mass production of intricate designs that would have been prohibitively expensive if executed through traditional methods, making elaborate patterns accessible to a broader merchant class clientele.

The design philosophy reflects the Meiji and Taishō periods' embrace of both preservation and modernization, featuring classical auspicious motifs rendered with industrial precision. The composition includes sensu (folding fans) symbolizing prosperity and elegance, pine trees representing longevity and steadfastness, bamboo signifying flexibility and moral integrity, and flowing arabesque patterns that suggest both Japanese cloud motifs and possibly Western Art Nouveau influences. The bold purple ribbons or sashes that weave throughout the composition create dynamic movement and may reference the formal court dress traditions or ceremonial elements.

The color palette of rich gold, deep purple, and muted gray-greens demonstrates the sophisticated taste of the urban elite during Japan's rapid modernization period. The faux-batik background technique is particularly noteworthy, as it shows how Japanese textile manufacturers were experimenting with reproducing the visual effects of traditional Indonesian resist-dyeing methods through silk-screening, creating a cosmopolitan aesthetic that reflected Japan's increasing engagement with international design influences. As an undergarment, this juban would have been a private display of luxury and refinement, allowing the wearer to enjoy elaborate artistry in an intimate setting while maintaining the more restrained exterior appearance expected in public.

Measuring 52" (132 cm) across the shoulders and 47" (119 cm) in height.

‍