This exquisite hand-painted watercolor is an original and distinctive artwork from Japan, dating to the Late Taisho to Early Showa period (1920–1940). Measuring 17 inches by 12 inches (43 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 vibrant "Sarasa" (chintz) aesthetic that reflects the cosmopolitan and adventurous spirit of the "Taisho Roman" era.
The composition is organized into a dynamic patchwork of rectangular panels and a prominent central folding fan (sensu) motif. Against a warm, apricot-toned ground, the artist has rendered a lush garden of stylized wild blossoms, climbing vines, and delicate butterflies. The central fan is decorated with rhythmic, arched grasses and small floral sprays, while the surrounding panels feature intricate, lace-like background patterns and winding botanical borders. The color palette is earthy yet lively, utilizing deep indigo blues, coral pinks, and olive greens, all harmonized by the crisp, dark outlines necessary for a technical yūzen dyeing blueprint.