This striking textile panel originates from Japan and dates to the late 1960s or 1970s. Measuring 14 inches by 52 inches (36 cm x 132 cm), the piece was salvaged from a roll of unused vintage stock and remains in excellent condition. It is crafted from a blend of silk and either cotton or synthetic fibers, resulting in a fabric with a structured drape and a distinctive horizontal ribbed texture. The color palette is vibrant and progressive, featuring bold horizontal bands of magenta, black, and teal blue that transition into soft grey and white gradients.
The visual narrative is centered on large, overlapping circular motifs known as Genji-guruma (Imperial carriages or "Genji wheels") and stylized chrysanthemums (kiku). The Genji-guruma is a classic literary motif referencing the Tale of Genji, symbolizing high status and the wheels of fortune, while the chrysanthemum represents the Japanese throne and longevity. These motifs are rendered in a muted olive-gold tone with a weathered, almost stenciled effect, creating a sophisticated contrast against the saturated, modern stripes. The composition seamlessly blends traditional Heian-period iconography with the bold, graphic sensibilities of the mid-to-late Showa era.