This meisen silk kimono from the 1950s is a brilliant display of the mid-century's bold, graphic sensibilities. The garment is defined by a rhythmic, large-scale chevron pattern of diagonal bands in cream and a warm, saturated apricot-orange. This architectural backdrop is overlaid with a dynamic, trailing botanical design featuring dark, multi-pointed leaves and small, vibrant purple berries.
The meisen technique is evident in the slightly blurred, "bleeding" edges of the pattern, a characteristic of the pre-dyed threads used in this weaving style. The composition balances the rigid, geometric energy of the chevrons with the organic, free-flowing movement of the vines, which appear to climb across the surface of the silk. This piece represents a masterful 20th-century update of traditional autumnal motifs, utilizing a high-contrast palette and daring scale to create a garment with immense visual power.
. It measures around 49 inches (124 cm) across the shoulders and stands at a height of 58 inches (147 cm).