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This striking kimono exemplifies the bold geometric modernism that emerged during Japan's Taisho period, when traditional craftsmanship intersected with contemporary design sensibilities. The composition features dramatically stylized fans rendered as angular, overlapping diagonal bands in rich purple, rust orange, olive green, cream, and deep black, creating a dynamic visual rhythm that suggests movement and vitality. These fan motifs, stenciled onto a luxurious rinzu silk background with its subtle sayagata (interlocking swastika) pattern, demonstrate the sophisticated interplay between surface decoration and underlying textile structure that characterizes high-quality Japanese silk work.
The aesthetic approach reflects influences from both Art Deco's geometric boldness and traditional Japanese design principles, particularly the concept of asymmetrical balance and the use of negative space. The fans themselves carry deep cultural significance as symbols of prosperity, good fortune, and the gradual unfolding of happiness, while their geometric interpretation speaks to the period's embrace of modernity. The parallel stitching lines that traverse each colored section create additional textural interest and emphasize the textile's construction, while the subtle gradations within each colored band reveal the artisan's mastery of stenciling techniques.
Measurements: 48 inches (122 cm) from sleeve-end to sleeve-end and 63 inches (160 cm) in height