This striking hand-painted artwork is an original and distinctive creation from Japan, dating to the Mid-Showa period (1945–1965). Measuring 12 inches by 29 inches (30 cm x 74 cm), this piece was skillfully crafted by an artist in Kyoto’s prestigious Nishijin district using ink, pencil, and glitter on thin, semi-transparent rice paper. The artwork remains in very good condition and served as the technical blueprint for a high-end woven obi.

The composition features a bold, sweeping vortex of black and grey bands that arc across the paper, creating a sense of powerful movement. These dark channels are punctuated by rhythmic, white fan-like shapes that mimic splashing water or drifting petals. At the center of this swirling energy sits a lush cluster of pink and white peonies, tied with decorative kumihimo cords in deep indigo and crimson. The background is further enriched with delicate floral patterns and subtle glitter accents that would have been translated into shimmering metallic threads during the weaving process.

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