This elegant 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 reflects the influence of Art Nouveau on traditional Japanese botanical motifs.
The composition is set against a black background, which provides a dramatic contrast for a rhythmic network of winding vines. Stylized five-petaled blossoms, likely representing plum or cherry blossoms, are rendered in rich shades of magenta and deep pink, with centers featuring delicate stippling and bright orange accents. Clusters of pink berries or buds follow the path of the intertwining branches, while small pops of mustard yellow add a bright, unexpected point of visual interest. The flowing, organic lines of the stems create a sense of upward movement, a design choice intended to elongate the silhouette of the kimono wearer.