This magnificent kurotomesode features an opulent composition of peacocks nestled among luxurious peonies and bamboo grass against the traditional black silk ground. The design showcases a masterful integration of yuzen-painting technique with surihaku gold-foil detailing, creating a sumptuous visual feast that demonstrates the sophisticated aesthetic sensibilities of the Taisho and early Showa periods. The peacocks are rendered with extraordinary attention to naturalistic detail—the male bird displays his magnificent plumage in rich purples and mauves, each eye-spot (ocellus) meticulously painted with jewel-like precision in blues, greens, and gold, while his graceful neck curves elegantly as captured in the detail images.

The symbolic significance of this composition is profound within Japanese cultural context. Peacocks represent nobility, immortality, and watchfulness, while peonies symbolize honor, wealth, and feminine beauty—making this combination particularly appropriate for formal women's attire. The artistic execution demonstrates clear influences from the Rinpa school's bold decorative approach to natural subjects, while the lavish use of multiple textile techniques reflects the period's embrace of technical virtuosity and visual magnificence. The detail images reveal the sophisticated layering of artistic methods: the peacock's intricate feather patterns are achieved through careful yuzen dyework, while the peony blossoms showcase a remarkable range of tonal variations from pure white through soft pinks to deep magentas, all enhanced by delicate gold foil outlining that creates depth and luminosity. This garment exemplifies the Japanese aesthetic principle of capturing the essence of natural beauty while elevating it through exceptional craftsmanship into a work of wearable art that celebrates both the natural world and human artistic achievement.

Its measurements are 50 inches (127 cm) from sleeve-end to sleeve-end and a height of 65 inches (165 cm).

This artwork is featured on page 108 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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