HAND painted kimono fragment, Japan, late Meiji (circa1910’s), 89x30cm. This is a fragment from a hemp (asa) summer kimono. The scene of thatched cottages, pine trees, and a country bridge is delicately painted and faded, and renders in a spectacular way what should have been country life in Meiji Japan . The centre seam joining the two pieces indicates that this fragment was taken from either the lower back, centre seam of the kimono, or from one of the left or right sides of the front. There is a small hole bottom right of hand-woven hemp cloth, nothing that detracts a bit from its delicate beauty though. Properly mounted and stretched, this would turn into a great visual object. Just wonderful: pure poetry (ποίησις).