This striking hand-painted watercolor is an original and distinctive artwork from Japan, dating to the Late Taisho to Early Showa period (1920–1940). Measuring 32 inches by 12 inches (81 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, though it displays some characteristic wear at the edges, and showcases the bold, high-contrast floral aesthetics popular during the early 20th century.

The composition features a dense, rhythmic field of peonies (botan) set against a sophisticated, multi-tonal background. The primary focal points are several large, fully bloomed peonies rendered in a deep, velvety crimson and soft pink, with bright yellow stamens providing a sharp, energetic center. These vibrant blossoms are surrounded by a sea of smaller, monochromatic peonies in charcoal grey and crisp white, creating a sense of layered depth and movement. The background is a soft, atmospheric wash of mauve and lavender-grey, which interacts with the white blossoms to suggest a scene captured in shifting light or early morning mist.

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