This meisen silk kimono is a vibrant display of Taisho-era modernism, featuring an exuberant, large-scale botanical pattern. The composition is dominated by oversized chrysanthemum blossoms (kiku) rendered in saturated pink and white, set against a dynamic background of swirling, multi-colored clouds in shades of orange, golden-yellow, sage-green, and deep charcoal-black. The meisen technique is evident in the slightly blurred, vibrating edges of the colors, which lend a painterly and energetic quality to the garment's surface.
The design represents a departure from traditional, subdued palettes, embracing the bold and "high-color" aesthetic that became popular as Japan synthesized Western Art Deco influences with its own classical motifs. The chrysanthemum, traditionally a symbol of longevity and the sun, is reimagined here as a graphic, almost psychedelic element. The juxtaposition of the structured blossoms against the fluid, variegated cloud forms creates a powerful visual rhythm, making this piece not just a garment, but a significant example of early 20th-century textile art.
It measures 49 inches (124 cm) from sleeve-end to sleeve-end and stands 55 inches (140 cm) in height.