This breathtaking hand-painted artwork is an original yūzen painting on a semi-transparent silk screen, dating to the Mid to Late Showa period (1950–1980). Measuring 16 inches by 30 inches (41 cm x 76 cm), this piece likely served as a high-fidelity model for a formal obi, the wide traditional sash worn with a kimono. The artwork is in very good condition, showcasing the ethereal color blending and masterful use of negative space characteristic of Kyoto's premier textile design traditions on a delicate silk canvas.
The composition depicts a majestic flight of cranes (tsuru) soaring across a twilight sky. The birds are rendered in a variety of finishes; some are painted in a crisp, luminous white, while others feature golden Kikkō (tortoise shell) patterns on their wings, symbolizing longevity and high status. They fly over a field of white chrysanthemums (kiku) that cling to a rocky shoreline, set against a background that transitions through atmospheric washes of lavender, smoky grey, and deep midnight black. Stylized golden clouds and rhythmic "seigaiha" (wave) patterns in the mist add a sense of celestial movement, creating a narrative of endurance and grace.