This exquisite hand-painted watercolor is an original and unique artwork from Japan, dating to the Late Taisho to Early Showa period (1920–1940). Measuring 11 inches by 29 inches (28 cm by 74 cm), this distinctive piece was meticulously crafted for the purpose of transposing its design to yūzen resist-dye work on a silk kimono. The artwork remains in very good condition, showcasing the refined and evocative aesthetic that characterized high-end Japanese textile design during the early 20th century.

The composition centers on a large, ethereal white peony (botan) rendered in soft, painterly washes of grey and white, which give the petals a luminous, translucent quality. Adding a vibrant focal point to the scene is a single, detailed butterfly with wings of deep rust-red accented by brilliant indigo-blue markings and fine stippling. The background features delicate, watery "kanze-mizu" (whirling water) patterns in a pale ochre, while the surrounding foliage is depicted in muted sage green and grey tones. The overall effect is one of quiet elegance and natural movement, intended to flow gracefully across the silk of a formal garment.

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