Kimono for a woman, 1912-26. Montgomery Collection

Kimono for a woman
Hand-spun pongee silk (tsumugi) woven with stencil-printed weft threads
Japan, Taisho period, 1912-26
Montgomery Collection

Kimono designs of the early twentieth century often feature traditional patterns that have been updated to suit modern tastes. The arrow feather (yabane) motif first became fashionable in the early seventeenth century. On this garment the pattern has been dramatically enlarged to create a powerful visual effect.