This elegant hand-painted artwork is an original hinagata drawing from Japan, dating to the Meiji period (1868–1912). Originally crafted in Shizuoka prefecture, this piece served as a vital dyeing sample for kimono silk dyers, professional artisans who held the crucial responsibility of translating artistic visions into wearable textile patterns. Measuring approximately 10 inches by 11 inches (25 cm x 28 cm), the drawing is executed on traditional Japanese paper and remains in very good condition, preserving the bold contrast and fine detailing of the era.
The composition features the classic "Three Friends of Winter" motifs, specifically white plum blossoms (ume) and slender bamboo leaves, arranged gracefully against a deep, midnight-black ground. The blossoms are rendered in crisp white pigment with delicate red and yellow centers, while the bamboo and stylized pine-like mounds are depicted in varying shades of forest and sage green. The design is intentionally weighted toward the lower left corner, utilizing the dramatic black negative space to emphasize the delicate, arching branches. On the left-hand margin, a cream-colored mounting strip features vertical Japanese calligraphy, likely denoting the dyer's studio archive or specific pattern name.