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 technical blueprint for yuzen resist-dye work on a silk kimono. The artwork remains in very good condition, showcasing a bold use of horizontal color blocking and rhythmic floral motifs characteristic of the graphic innovations in pre-war textile design.
The composition is structured across four distinct horizontal bands in a sophisticated palette of charcoal-green, warm terracotta-orange, and a soft, misty grey at the uppermost edge. Large, stylized chrysanthemums (kiku) with ivory petals and vibrant coral centers are distributed across the field, appearing to float gracefully over the color boundaries. These blossoms are framed by delicate, scalloped white outlines that suggest the form of clouds (kumo), creating a layered, ethereal effect. Small coral leaves are interspersed among the larger blooms, adding a fine level of detail to the expansive, modern layout.