This extraordinary mixed-media artwork is an original and unique creation from Japan, dating to the Late Taisho to Early Showa period (1920–1940). Combining watercolor and intricate beadwork on paper, this piece was designed as a sophisticated blueprint for yuzen resist-dye work on a silk kimono. Measuring 16 inches by 12 inches (41 cm x 30 cm), the artwork remains in very good condition, showcasing a rare intersection of traditional textile design and avant-garde decorative techniques.
The composition is a masterful example of the yose-gire (patchwork) aesthetic, featuring overlapping rectangular panels that appear as fragments of different fabric patterns floating against a textured, cool grey and lavender ground. One prominent central panel depicts a stylized, mythological creature rendered with raised beads that provide a tactile, three-dimensional quality. Other panels feature elegant geometric bands, stylized floral motifs, and abstract waves in a refined palette of terracotta, rose, and navy blue. The background is further animated by horizontal dashes of coral and white, suggesting a dynamic, shimmering atmosphere that bridges traditional Japanese motifs with the burgeoning Art Deco influences of the early 20th century.