This rare and evocative textile originates from Japan’s transition between the late Edo and early Meiji periods (1840–1880), a pivotal era marked by the shift from feudal tradition to modern internationalism. Measuring 14 inches by approximately 120 inches (36 cm x 305 cm), this exceptionally long panel was hand-painted for a woman's kimono but remains in its original, unused state. The material is an exceptionally fine silk with a delicate, translucent texture akin to thin rice paper, a characteristic of luxury summer silks from the mid-to-late 19th century. Despite its age, the panel remains in very good condition, with a few tiny moth holes and a faint patina that serve as scholarly evidence of its antique provenance.

The visual narrative is set against an ethereal, pale-toned ground and features hand-painted botanical motifs. The design depicts stylized maple leaves (momiji) and delicate foliage, rendered in a sophisticated palette of deep burgundy, soft grey, and touches of muted ochre. These elements are arranged in a rhythmic, floating composition that draws the eye upward along the ten-foot span of the silk, with the most detailed clusters concentrated toward the lower section. The painterly brushstrokes and the use of space reflect the influence of classical Japanese nature painting, emphasizing poetic minimalism and the seasonal transition into autumn.

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