This masterful textile originates from the early Showa period (1930–1940) and is a scholarly example of the high-chroma, mythic imagery favored for haori (kimono jackets) during the pre-war era. Measuring 11 inches by 48 inches (28 cm x 122 cm), the piece is a complete panel from a disassembled garment and remains in very good condition. It is crafted from meisen silk, a material renowned for its crisp structural integrity and the vibrant depth of its patterns, which are achieved through the technical precision of pre-dyed threads.
The visual narrative is dominated by a majestic Ho-o (Phoenix) set against a brilliant scarlet backdrop. The mythical bird is rendered in a regal palette: ivory for the head and breast, sunflower yellow for the wings, and a combination of peacock and sky blues for the back and tail feathers. Small clusters of multi-colored flowers in yellow, blue, and green are scattered throughout the composition. A defining detail is the inclusion of subtle metallic threads woven through the beak and the "eyes" of the tail feathers, providing a sophisticated shimmer. While the panel shows minor historic evidence of its previous life—including a small patina mark and tiny pinholes on the upper phoenix's breast—these traces of wear only serve to authenticate its heritage as a functional piece of early 20th-century fashion.