This striking textile originates from Japan’s mid-Showa period (1950–1980) and is a scholarly example of the bold, high-contrast aesthetics that defined post-war formal silk design. Measuring 14 inches by 54 inches (36 cm x 137 cm), the piece is a complete panel from a disassembled kimono, preserved in excellent condition. The substrate is a premium rinzu (silk damask), dyed in a deep, midnight black that provides a lustrous and structurally rich foundation for the decorative resists. The fabric is noted for its incredible softness, brilliant shine, and an exceptional drape.

The visual narrative is dominated by a vertical, rhythmic arrangement of ume (plum) blossoms, rendered entirely through the shibori (resist-dyeing) tradition. Vivid red blossoms are scattered along intricate, white-speckled stems that arc gracefully across the black field. The characteristic granular, pebbled texture of the hand-tied resists adds a sense of organic vibration and tactile depth to the composition. As the plum blossom is a classical symbol of resilience and hope—being the first flower to bloom in the late winter snow—this piece represents a modern, graphic interpretation of a deeply traditional theme.

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