This vibrant hand-painted artwork is an original design from Japan, dating to the Mid-Showa period (1945–1965). Originating from a professional studio in the renowned Nishijin district of Kyoto, this piece was meticulously rendered on thick paper to serve as a blueprint for a woven obi. Measuring 12 inches by 25 inches (30 cm x 64 cm), the artwork remains in very good condition, showcasing the bold, celebratory aesthetic that emerged in post-war textile arts.
The composition features a dynamic, repeating arrangement of open folding fans (sensu) and ornamental tassels set against a brilliant lime-green ground. Each fan is richly decorated with dense clusters of seasonal flowers, including chrysanthemums and plum blossoms in shades of orange, blue, white, and purple. Centered within the fans are circular medallions featuring auspicious motifs like butterflies and Paulownia crests. Thick, braided cords with flowing tassels wind elegantly between the fans, creating a rhythmic vertical energy designed to be viewed when the obi is wrapped and tied.