This elegant 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 11 inches (81 cm x 28 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 the lyrical and expansive floral compositions that defined high-status feminine fashion during the early 20th century.
The composition features a cascading arrangement of seasonal flora set against a clean, off-white ground. Dominating the vertical space are long, trailing racemes of wisteria (fuji), rendered in a sophisticated deep plum hue. These are complemented by large, stylized peonies (botan) at the top, outlined in bold orange and purple with delicate interior detailing. Mid-way through the design, two lilies—one orange and one purple—provide a sharp, graphic focal point, while the bottom of the piece is anchored by circular fruit or floral buds. The artist has used a refined palette of forest green, rust-orange, and varying shades of purple, employing the yūzen aesthetic of crisp white resist lines to separate the vibrant pigments.