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This silk irotomesode (type of formal kimono for married women) made from rinzu damask and kinsha fine crepe silk. The garment showcases exquisite yuzen painting technique depicting classical Heian period motifs against a rich purple ground.
The artistic composition features theatrical masks and decorative elements that appear to reference traditional Japanese performing arts, particularly Noh or Kyogen theater, all executed with the refined brushwork characteristic of yuzen dyeing.
The overall design demonstrates the sophisticated aesthetic of the Taisho to early Showa period (1920s), when there was a revival of interest in classical Heian court culture. The artist has employed a restrained color palette dominated by the deep purple silk, with accents of gold, cream, and muted earth tones that create an elegant, aristocratic effect.
This textile exemplifies the Japanese artistic principle of ma (negative space), with motifs thoughtfully placed to create visual breathing room. The combination of the lustrous rinzu damask base with the painterly yuzen technique and subtle embroidered highlights represents the pinnacle of Japanese textile artistry from this period, bridging classical court aesthetics with the refined craftsmanship of the modern era.
Measurements: 48 inches (122 cm) from sleeve-end to sleeve-end and standing at a height of 61 inches (155 cm)