This mid-20th century summer kimono presents a striking modernist interpretation of traditional Japanese motifs, showcasing the innovative design approaches that emerged during the meisen textile boom of the 1920s-1960s.

The design features a bold geometric composition built around alternating horizontal bands of black and white, creating a dynamic striped foundation. Against this graphic backdrop, stylized dragonflies appear in vibrant coral-red and deep blue, their forms abstracted into elegant, streamlined silhouettes that capture the essence of these creatures in flight.

The dragonflies are rendered with remarkable simplicity and sophistication - their bodies depicted as single vertical lines with wings that spread in graceful, curved forms. Some appear to be hovering while others seem caught mid-flight, creating a sense of movement across the textile surface. The artist has cleverly used the striped background to suggest the shimmering, rippling effect of water or air currents that dragonflies navigate.

Interspersed with the dragonflies are what appear to be stylized feather motifs, adding another layer of natural imagery. These feathers echo the linear quality of the dragonfly wings while providing textural variety through their more organic, flowing forms.

The color palette is particularly striking in its restraint - the bold contrast of black and white stripes provides a strong foundation, while the coral-red and steel-blue dragonflies create focal points that draw the eye across the garment. This limited but effective color scheme reflects the modern aesthetic sensibilities of the mid-20th century.

The rayon fabric and meisen weaving technique allowed for this type of crisp, graphic design that would have been difficult to achieve with traditional silk weaving methods. The unlined summer construction (hitoe) makes this a practical garment for warm weather, while the sophisticated design ensures it remained fashionable and elegant.

It measures 49 inches (124 cm) from sleeve-end to sleeve-end and stands at a height of 57 inches (145 cm).