This 1950s meisen silk kimono features a bold, modernist pattern of interlocking circular rings or loops in cream, coral-red, and muted olive tones against a deep black background. The design creates a dynamic, rhythmic composition where the overlapping rings appear to flow and cascade across the entire garment.

The pattern strongly evokes mid-20th century abstract art movements, particularly:

Abstract Expressionism - The fluid, gestural quality of the interlocking rings suggests the spontaneous, expressive mark-making characteristic of this movement that was prominent in the 1950s.

Modernist graphic design - The bold geometric forms and limited color palette reflect the clean, minimalist aesthetic that emerged in post-war design, influenced by the Bauhaus movement and International Style.

Op Art precursors - While Op Art wouldn't fully emerge until the 1960s, this pattern anticipates that movement's interest in creating visual movement and optical effects through repetitive geometric forms.

The meisen technique, known for its ability to create complex, blurred patterns through a resist-dyeing process, was perfect for achieving this soft-edged, almost painterly quality.

There are some minor signs of wear, including staining, patina, and a small hole on the left sleeve. Its dimensions are 50 inches (127 cm) from sleeve-end to sleeve-end and 60 inches (152 cm) in height.

This artwork is featured on page 287 of Art Kimono: Aesthetic Revelations of Japan, 1905-1960. This book, published by Yorke Antique Textiles, can be previewed or purchased on our website here.

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