This meisen silk kimono features a striking design of wide vertical stripes in a vibrant color palette. The garment displays broad bands of deep teal, rich purple, golden yellow, and burgundy red, separated by thin white or cream accent lines that add definition and visual crispness to the composition.

The meisen weaving technique creates the kimono's characteristic highly reflective quality through its distinctive fiber structure. The weave shows a subtle geometric pattern where the colored threads intersect, creating tiny points of light that give the fabric its lustrous, almost iridescent appearance. This reflective quality would have made the garment particularly dynamic when worn, with the surface changing and shimmering with movement.

The proportions are particularly sophisticated - the stripes are wide enough to create strong visual impact while maintaining elegant balance across the garment's silhouette.

The color combination is both bold and harmonious, with the warm yellows and burgundies balancing the cooler teals and purples.

It measures 48 inches (122 cm) from sleeve-end to sleeve-end and stands at 57 inches (145 cm) in height.

‍

This artwork is featured on page 127 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.

‍

‍