This striking textile originates from Japan’s mid-Showa period (1950–1970) and is a scholarly example of the playful, modernist abstraction that emerged in post-war silk production. Measuring an impressive 13.75 inches by 90 inches (35 cm x 229 cm), the panel is crafted from high-quality meisen silk, which remains in excellent condition. Characteristic of the meisen variety, the base fabric is thinner and slightly crisp, yet it maintains a nice drape and a smooth surface that beautifully carries the graphic design.
The visual narrative is set against a rich maroon or wine-red ground, providing a sophisticated and deep backdrop for a whimsical "bubble" motif. The pattern features clusters of overlapping circles rendered in a diverse palette of grey, cream, yellow, light turquoise, and black. These bubbles are executed with the signature kasuri (ikat) technique, resulting in the slightly blurred, vibrating edges that give the geometric forms a sense of depth and movement. This transition from traditional botanical themes to abstract, bubbly silhouettes reflects the Mid-Century Modern influence on Japanese textile centers, where weavers experimented with joyful, non-traditional imagery for everyday wear.