This rinzu silk kimono is a graphically compelling example of mid-century textile design, featuring a bold application of katazome (stencil-dyeing) onto a textured silk base. The garment is crafted from a deep navy-blue damask, which features a subtle all-over woven pattern that provides a lustrous, architectural foundation. Overlaid on this dark ground is a rhythmic, large-scale composition of bamboo leaf clusters, rendered in a striking palette of cream and burnt-orange.

The bamboo motif (take) is a classical Japanese symbol of strength, flexibility, and resilience, as it bends but does not break under the weight of snow or wind. The use of the katazome technique allows for the sharp, precise lines of the leaves to stand out against the dark navy silk, creating a high-contrast visual energy. The arrangement of the leaves—some pointing upward in cream and others downward in orange—creates a sense of natural movement across the entire garment. This piece reflects a sophisticated Showa-era aesthetic, balancing traditional botanical symbolism with a daring, modern approach to scale and color.

It measures 49 inches (125 cm) from sleeve-end to sleeve-end and stands at 56 inches (142 cm) in height.

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