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 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 masterful use of atmospheric gradients and balanced floral clusters characteristic of early 20th-century textile design.
The composition is set against a deep, dark forest-green background that is bisected by a luminous, hazy grey horizontal band, suggesting a misty or nocturnal garden setting. In the center, a stylized fan (sensu) is rendered with vibrant stripes of orange, yellow, and red, adorned with purple cloud-like patterns. Surrounding the fan are diverse seasonal blossoms, including large white and coral plum blossoms (ume) and smaller purple and white chrysanthemums. To the left, two long, sweeping white brushstrokes arch gracefully across the frame, mimicking the movement of wind or flowing water, while the overall arrangement creates a rhythmic sense of depth across the misty central void.