This elegant kinsha fine crepe silk kimono exemplifies the sophisticated restraint and modern sensibilities that characterized Japanese textile design during this era of cultural transformation.

The garment features a striking vertical stripe pattern (tatejima) rendered in a rich palette dominated by deep royal purple, accented with bands of golden yellow, burgundy red, and dark brown or black. The stripes vary in width, creating visual rhythm and preventing the monotony that might result from uniform spacing. This variation in stripe width demonstrates the refined aesthetic judgment typical of high-quality Taisho period textiles.

Several of the detail images reveal the exquisite quality of the kinsha weave - the fine crepe silk creates a subtle textural surface that adds depth and richness to the colors. The weave structure shows the characteristic irregular surface texture of crepe silk, which was achieved through the use of alternating high-twist warp and weft threads that create the distinctive pebbled surface.

The vertical stripe motif reflects the Taisho period's embrace of both traditional Japanese aesthetics and Western influences. While stripes had long been present in Japanese textiles, the bold color combinations and the confident use of contrasting hues show the period's openness to new visual approaches. This kimono represents the aesthetic ideal of iki - sophisticated simplicity that achieves elegance through restraint rather than ostentation.

It has a small hole on one sleeve. Its measurements are approximately 46 inches from sleeve-end to sleeve-end and 62 inches in height, or about 117 centimeters by 157 centimeters.

This artwork is featured on page 131 of Art Kimono: Aesthetic Revelations of Japan, 1905-1960. This book, published by Yorke Antique Textiles, can be previewed or purchased on our website here.

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