This sophisticated hand-painted watercolor is an original and distinctive artwork from Japan, dating to the Late Taisho to Early Showa period (1920–1940). Measuring 16 inches by 12 inches (41 cm x 30 cm), this piece was meticulously crafted for the purpose of transposing its design to yūzen resist-dye work on a silk kimono. The artwork remains in very good condition, showcasing a bold, intellectual "Taisho Roman" aesthetic that blends archaeological motifs with modern geometric abstractions.

The composition is centered on a large, intricately detailed bronze mirror (kagami) motif. The mirror's face features a central crouching bird surrounded by a ring of the twelve animals of the Zodiac and an outer band of archaic calligraphic script. This central medallion is set against a deep chocolate-brown horizontal band, which is further embellished with floating, interconnected rings in black, white, and rust red. Framing this central section are two wide borders of dense key fret (raimon) patterns, rendered in a rhythmic, architectural style. The monochromatic palette and precision of the linework reflect the technical mastery required for a high-quality yūzen dyeing blueprint.

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