This rinzu silk kimono presents striking arrow-feather motifs, rendered in pristine white and golden yellow against the rich wine-colored ground, carry profound meaning as symbols of protection, direction, and the ability to ward off evil—motifs traditionally associated with both warrior culture and spiritual purification rituals. The choice to scale these yabane (arrow feather) patterns to such dramatic proportions reflects the Taisho period's embrace of more assertive visual statements, moving away from the subtle naturalism that had dominated earlier textile design toward something more architecturally bold and graphically confident.

The stenciling technique used to create these motifs demonstrates the period's technological advancement in textile production, allowing for the precise, clean-edged execution visible in the detail image, where the sharp geometric forms maintain their crisp definition against the lustrous rinzu silk base. The supplementary metallic threads add a subtle luminosity that catches light along the edges of the arrows, creating a sense of movement and energy that aligns with the forward-looking optimism of the Taisho era. This aesthetic approach—combining traditional protective symbolism with modernist graphic clarity—reflects the cultural confidence of a period when Japan was successfully integrating international influences while maintaining its distinct artistic identity.

Measurements:  49 inches (124 cm) from sleeve-end to sleeve-end and standing at 63 inches (160 cm) in height

‍

This artwork is featured on page 271 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.

‍