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 22 inches by 17 inches (56 cm x 43 cm), this piece was meticulously created to serve as a high-fidelity template for yūzen resist-dye work on a silk kimono. The artwork remains in very good condition and demonstrates the romantic and lush botanical style that characterized the transition into the early Showa era.

The composition is set against a luminous, golden-citrine ground, featuring an abundant arrangement of seasonal flora. Large, multi-petaled peonies and hibiscus-like blossoms in vibrant shades of fuchsia, rose-pink, and deep maroon anchor the design. These primary flowers are cradled within stylized woven baskets (hanakago) rendered in a soft violet with a lattice pattern. Surrounding the central vessels are delicate sprays of purple bellflowers, pink star-shaped blooms, and maple leaves in both lavender and charcoal tones. The artist’s use of soft tonal gradients within the petals and leaves provides a painterly depth that would require immense skill to replicate in the yūzen dyeing process.

‍