This exquisite 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 skillfully crafted on thick paper by a seasoned artisan from Kyoto’s renowned Nishijin district. It served as a high-fidelity foundational blueprint or technical prototype for transposing intricate woven patterns onto an obi, the traditional sash worn with a kimono. The artwork remains in very good condition, showcasing a masterful balance between delicate line-work studies and fully realized polychrome motifs.

The composition is set against a light cream-colored ground, featuring a vertical arrangement of diverse circular medallions (maru-mon). These medallions are flanked by elegant, scrolling floral vines that run vertically in two parallel bands, providing a rhythmic structural anchor. Central to the narrative are three finished medallions: one containing a complex geometric and floral mandalic pattern in gold, rust, and slate grey; another featuring a majestic phoenix (hō-ō) amidst paulownia leaves; and a third displaying a lush bouquet of peonies and chrysanthemums. Interestingly, several other medallions remain as fine, uncolored ink outlines, providing a fascinating insight into the artisan's drafting process.

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