This monochromatic hand-painted watercolor is an original and distinct artwork from Japan, dating to the Late Taisho to Early Showa period (1920–1940). Measuring 20 inches by 9 inches (51 cm x 23 cm), this piece was specifically created by a Japanese artist to serve as a high-fidelity blueprint for yuzen resist-dye work on a silk kimono. The artwork remains in very good condition, showcasing a sophisticated vertical composition that emphasizes the organic, intertwining beauty of climbing flora.
The composition is rendered in a refined, tonal palette of deep plum and soft lavender-pink, creating a cohesive and elegant visual field. The design features a lush network of grapevines, characterized by large, lobed leaves and clusters of small, spherical grapes that appear to cascade down the frame. The artist has utilized delicate line-work to define the veins of each leaf and the winding paths of the stems, while subtle color washes provide a sense of dimension and softness. This type of continuous, upward-reaching pattern was expertly designed to flow across the seams of a kimono, enhancing the wearer's height and grace.