This exquisite 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 precise drafting and elegant color theory characteristic of Kyoto's renowned yūzen dyeing tradition on a delicate silk canvas.
The composition is defined by a series of bold, diagonal ribbons or bands that slice across a dramatic, deep black ground. These ribbons feature a diverse array of traditional geometric and botanical patterns, including purple diamond lattices (hishi), rust-red honeycomb (kikkō) grids, and intricate floral scrolls. Central to the narrative is a wider, dusty-rose band depicting two graceful phoenixes (hō-ō) with long, sweeping tail feathers, surrounded by small white blossoms. The artist has used shimmering metallic-toned pigments and fine, calligraphic linework to delineate the complex borders, creating a sense of layered, textile-like depth.