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, who were esteemed artisans responsible for translating intricate artistic designs onto fine silk. 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.
The composition features a graceful, asymmetrical arrangement of trailing vines and serrated leaves set against a muted, slate-blue ground. The foliage is rendered in varying shades of sage and forest green, with delicate white and dark ink outlines providing a sense of dimension. Two slender, curving stems arc toward the center of the frame, each terminating in a small, unopened flower bud. The minimalist aesthetic and the focus on negative space are hallmarks of Meiji-era design, intended to showcase the skill of the dyer in achieving subtle color gradations and crisp linework. A vertical cream-colored mounting strip on the left provides a stark, clean border to the deep blue field.