This festive hand-painted watercolor is an original and distinct artwork from Japan, dating to the Late Taisho to Early Showa period (1920–1940). Measuring 11 inches by 16 inches (28 cm x 41 cm), this piece was specifically crafted by a Japanese artist to serve as a high-fidelity technical blueprint for yuzen resist-dye work on a silk kimono. The artwork remains in very good condition, showcasing the vibrant imagery and playful compositions characteristic of New Year's themed textile designs from the pre-war era.

The composition is set against a warm, saturated vermilion-red ground, featuring two large temari (traditional handballs) decorated with autumnal maple leaves, floral crests, and geometric bands in lavender, coral, and gold. Floating across the field are whimsical strings of mayudama—small, spherical rice cakes (mochi) in shades of cream, pale yellow, and lavender—which are traditionally used as New Year's decorations to pray for a bountiful harvest. The scene is further enriched by elegant white plum blossoms and stylized orange lilies, while circular clusters of kanoko (dappled) tie-dye patterns provide a rhythmic, textural contrast to the expansive red background.

‍