This exquisite hand-painted watercolor is an original and distinct artwork from Japan, dating to the Late Taisho to Early Showa period (1920–1940). Measuring 18 inches by 12 inches (46 cm x 30 cm), this piece was specifically crafted by a Japanese artist to serve as a high-fidelity technical blueprint for yuzen resist-dye work on a silk kimono. The artwork remains in very good condition, showcasing a lush, all-over floral composition that centers on a traditional man-made object, reflecting the era's fondness for blending domestic symbols with natural beauty.
The composition is set against a deep, elegant maroon-plum ground, featuring a central itomaki (traditional thread spool used in weaving). The itomaki is rendered with colorful decorative bands and black lacquer-like supports, symbolizing the textile arts themselves. Surrounding this centerpiece is a profusion of large, blooming peonies (botan) in shades of cream, fuchsia, and a striking cerulean blue. These are interspersed with delicate chrysanthemums (kiku), plum blossoms, and soft green foliage. The artist utilized fine white lines to mimic the paste-resist technique, creating a sense of layered depth as the flowers appear to drift across the dark field.