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Against a deep black ground, hundreds of delicate star-shaped flowers are hand-drawn in soft cream and pale coral tones, creating an enchanting celestial effect that transforms the kimono into a wearable night sky. The seemingly simple floral motif reveals remarkable complexity through its careful distribution across the entire surface, with each bloom individually rendered to create subtle variations in size and orientation that prevent the pattern from becoming monotonous. This approach reflects the Japanese aesthetic principle of "uniform irregularity," where apparent randomness conceals underlying structural sophistication.
The technical virtuosity of this piece becomes evident in the close-up details, which reveal the extraordinary textural complexity achieved through the horizontal ribbing of the silk weave. This distinctive surface treatment creates a subtle corduroy-like effect that adds dimensional interest and catches light in ways that enhance the overall visual richness. The discreet vertical metallic thread inserts function as nearly invisible accents that add luminous quality without overwhelming the delicate floral motifs. This restrained use of metallic elements demonstrates the mature aesthetic sensibility characteristic of later Japanese textile traditions, where technical brilliance serves artistic vision rather than dominating it. The overall effect suggests influences from both traditional Japanese star-gazing customs and emerging modernist sensibilities that valued pattern repetition and surface exploration.
Standing at 66 inches (168 cm) tall, its height and distinctive iconography suggest a special-purpose use—potentially crafted for a theatrical play. It measures 50 inches (127 cm) from sleeve-end to sleeve-end.