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This shibori silk furisode showcases bold kiri (paulownia) and bamboo motifs rendered in dramatic black and white through the shibori process, where the organic, slightly irregular edges of the resist-dyed forms create a painterly quality that distinguishes it from more mechanical printing methods.
The artistic approach demonstrates clear influences from mid-to-late 20th century minimalist movements, particularly in its confident use of a restricted black and white palette and the bold scale of the botanical motifs. The large paulownia leaves dominate the composition with an almost abstract expressionist sensibility, their flowing forms creating dynamic negative spaces that give the garment remarkable visual impact. This aesthetic choice reflects the broader artistic trends of the 1970s and 1980s, when Japanese designers were increasingly experimenting with Western modernist principles while maintaining deep connections to traditional craft techniques.
The strategic incorporation of metallic gold elements—both in the delicate stenciled motifs scattered throughout the design and in the couching that outlines the prominent paulownia—adds layers of textural and visual sophistication that elevate the piece beyond simple two-tone design. This technique shows influence from contemporary Japanese avant-garde fashion, where traditional motifs were being reinterpreted through bold graphic treatments. The shibori technique itself lends an organic, hand-crafted quality that contrasts beautifully with the geometric precision of the gold accents, creating a dialogue between spontaneity and control that characterizes much of the innovative textile work of this period. The overall effect suggests connections to the Japanese mono-ha (school of things) art movement, with its emphasis on natural materials and processes, while simultaneously engaging with international trends toward graphic boldness and material experimentation.
Its measurements are 53 inches (134.6 cm) from sleeve-end to sleeve-end and 65 inches (165.1 cm) in height.