This 1950s meisen silk kimono features scattered triangular forms in vivid colors—red, yellow, green, and orange—set against a stark black background, with each triangle containing intricate internal details. The design reflects the influence of abstract expressionism and geometric modernism that was gaining international prominence during this period, while the meisen technique's characteristic soft-edged, slightly blurred quality creates an almost painterly effect that bridges traditional textile craftsmanship with contemporary artistic sensibilities.

The seemingly random scatter of these geometric forms across the kimono's surface creates a dynamic, almost jazz-like rhythm that speaks to the cultural exchange between East and West during the American occupation period. This design represents a fascinating moment in Japanese textile history where traditional garment forms embraced radical modernist principles, transforming the kimono into a canvas for avant-garde expression. The bold color palette and abstract approach demonstrate how Japanese designers were experimenting with Western artistic movements while maintaining the fundamental structure and cultural significance of traditional dress, creating a uniquely hybrid aesthetic that captured the spirit of Japan's rapid modernization in the 1950s.

Its measurements are 49 inches (124 cm) from sleeve-end to sleeve-end and 58 inches (147 cm) in height.

This artwork is featured on page 318 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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