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This kinsha silk kimono features an elegant repeat pattern of stylized paulownia (kiri) blossoms and leaves rendered in pale gray and golden yellow against a deep teal ground, creating a harmonious palette that speaks to the period's appreciation for subtle color relationships. The close-up detail reveals the precision of the katazome process, where the distinctive ribbed texture of kinsha silk—a lightweight crepe with a characteristic puckered surface—provides an ideal canvas for the crisp, clean lines of the stenciled design.
The paulownia motif carries extraordinary cultural significance in Japanese society, serving as the official crest of the Japanese government and historically associated with imperial power and nobility. Often called the "princess tree," paulownia symbolizes honor, virtue, and spiritual transformation, making this kimono appropriate for formal occasions and reflecting the wearer's refined taste. The artistic treatment demonstrates the influence of traditional Edo period design principles while embracing the streamlined aesthetic that emerged during Japan's modernization.
Its measurements are 48 inches (122 cm) across the shoulders and 56 inches (142 cm) in height.