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This chirimen silk kimono's composition demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of rhythmic pattern-making, where the compressed uzumaki whirlpools create a hypnotic visual flow across the rich coral-red ground. These swirling motifs, rooted in ancient beliefs about their protective and waterproofing properties, are rendered here with an almost Art Nouveau-like fluidity that speaks to the period's embrace of organic, flowing design principles. The stylized interpretation of these whirlpools moves beyond mere decorative function to create a sense of perpetual motion that transforms the static textile surface into something alive and kinetic.
The abstract fan motifs scattered throughout the composition introduce an intriguing textural contrast that becomes evident in the detailed image, where an unusual weaving or surface treatment technique creates subtle dimensional effects within each fan shape. The detail reveals the extraordinary craftsmanship involved in achieving these textural variations within the silk surface, suggesting possible use of supplementary weft techniques or specialized resist methods that create subtle gradations from golden yellow through olive green to deep black. The bold scale and graphic treatment of the uzumaki pattern, combined with the sophisticated color relationships, creates a garment that bridges traditional Japanese aesthetics with the emerging global visual language of early 20th-century decorative arts.
Measuring 52 inches (132 cm) from sleeve-end to sleeve-end and 60 inches (152 cm) in height,