This exquisite textile originates from Japan’s early Showa period (1930–1940) and is a scholarly example of the laborious tie-dyeing craftsmanship that defined pre-WWII luxury apparel. Measuring 14.5 inches by 49 inches (37 cm x 124 cm), the panel is crafted from high-quality silk that has undergone the intensive shibori process. Due to its age, this specific silk is lighter in weight than more contemporary iterations, yet it maintains a remarkable luminosity and a good drape. The piece remains in excellent condition, a testament to the durability of the hand-tied silk fibers.

The visual narrative is set against a deep, regal purple ground, providing a sophisticated backdrop for a rhythmic asa-no-ha (hemp leaf) pattern. The geometric design is meticulously rendered through thousands of tiny, resisted points in white and a soft melonish pink shade. The asa-no-ha is a traditional auspicious motif symbolizing rapid growth and resilience, as the hemp plant is known for its vigor. The execution here—with the pink accents highlighting the central "stars" of the hemp leaf structure—creates a three-dimensional, vibrating effect typical of high-status early Showa textiles.

‍