This vibrant meisen haori is adorned with a repeating pattern of stylized, swirling spirals, rendered in a lively combination of red, green, yellow, white, gray, and black. The spirals themselves are simplified and geometric, with each one composed of a series of concentric, curved lines that create a sense of movement and energy. The spirals are positioned in a way that creates an all-over pattern, covering the entirety of the haori's surface. They are tightly packed together, with minimal negative space between them, resulting in a visually dense and impactful composition.

The color scheme of the haori is bold and playful. The use of primary colors—red, yellow, and green—creates a sense of vibrancy and energy. The addition of white, gray, and black provides a grounding element, preventing the overall effect from becoming overwhelming. The colors are applied in a flat, opaque manner, with no shading or gradation, further enhancing the graphic quality of the design.

In terms of overall aesthetics, this haori exhibits a strong affinity with several Western art movements, although the spiral is also an ancient Japanese decorative motif. The bold, simplified forms and the dynamic, swirling movement of the spirals are reminiscent of Art Deco's streamlined, geometric aesthetic and celebration of speed and modernity. The all-over pattern and the vibrant color palette also share some similarities with the principles of Op Art, which explored the use of optical illusions and visual vibrations to create a sense of movement and energy. Furthermore, the bold, graphic quality of the design and the use of bright, flat colors resonate with the aesthetic sensibilities of Pop Art, which often incorporated elements of popular culture and commercial design. The stylized spiral motif, however, is also rooted in traditional Japanese design.

Dimensions: 51inches (130 cm) from sleeve-end to sleeve-end and 37 inches (94 cm) in height

This artwork is featured on page 290 of Art Kimono: Aesthetic Revelations of Japan, 1905-1960. This book, published by Yorke Antique Textiles, can be previewed or purchased on our website here.

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