This striking 1950s artwork showcases the bold and experimental aesthetic characteristic of meisen silk, a fabric that revolutionized affordable, fashionable kimono wear in the early to mid-20th century. The textile features a dynamic, all-over pattern of intersecting circles and swirling loops set against a deep, dark aubergine or midnight background. The motif is rendered in high-contrast strokes of cream and crimson red, creating a sense of three-dimensional depth and rhythmic movement. The lines vary in thickness, resembling calligraphic brushstrokes or floating ribbons, which lends the design an organic, fluid quality despite its geometric basis.

Artistically, this design marks a departure from classical nature motifs, instead embracing the modan sensibilities of the era. The chaotic yet harmonious overlapping of rings strongly evokes the energy of Abstract Expressionism and the geometric playfulness of Mid-Century Modernism. The visual effect parallels the Western fascination with kinetic art and the atomic age aesthetics prevalent in the 1950s, representing a Japan that was rapidly modernizing and looking outward. While the circle, or enso, is a traditional symbol of enlightenment, infinity, and unity in Japanese culture, its application here is reinterpreted through a lens of speed and modernity. The red and white palette, loosely echoing the auspicious kohaku combination, suggests celebration and vitality, making this a statement piece for a fashionable woman of the post-war period.

Its measurements span 48 inches (122 cm) from sleeve-end to sleeve-end and stand at 59 inches (150 cm) in height.

This artwork is featured on page 294 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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