This striking 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 blueprint for yuzen resist-dye work on a silk kimono. The artwork remains in very good condition, showcasing the innovative graphic style of the pre-war era where traditional symbols were reimagined through bold, geometric compositions.
The composition features two large, stylized origami cranes (orizuru) set against a dynamic background of diagonal bands in deep forest green and warm ochre-gold. The upper crane is rendered in a vibrant coral pink, decorated with a delicate pattern of white plum blossoms, while the lower crane is a crisp, solid white. Within the dark green bands, the artist has meticulously painted white geometric clusters that mimic the look of kanoko (dappled) tie-dyeing, providing a rich textural contrast to the smooth color fields. The sharp angles of the folded paper birds combined with the strong diagonal lines of the background create a rhythmic and modern energy.