This elegant hand-painted artwork is an original and unique creation from Japan, dating to the Mid-Showa period (1945–1965). Measuring 12 inches by 30 inches (30 cm x 76 cm), this distinctive piece was produced by a skilled artist in Kyoto's renowned Nishijin district, the historic center of luxury Japanese textile weaving. Composed of paint on fabric and lined with paper, the work served as the master design template for a woven obi, the wide traditional belt worn with a kimono. The artwork remains in very good condition, showcasing a sophisticated balance of geometric structure and fluid botanical elements.
The composition features three large, staggered diamond-shaped frames (hishi) set against a serene pale-grey ground. Each diamond contains a dense and vibrant bouquet of seasonal flowers, including lush peonies (botan) and chrysanthemums (kiku) in shades of rust-orange, violet, white, and golden-yellow. These floral arrangements are set against a solid black interior, making the colors appear particularly luminous. Intertwined with the diamonds are delicate, vertical sprays of wisteria (fuji) and green leaves, which soften the geometric lines and create a sense of vertical rhythm. The borders of the diamonds are finely detailed with multi-colored pinstripes in green and red, reflecting the precision of Nishijin craftsmanship.