Young Woman In A Summer Kimono Natsu Yosoi No Musume

The painting "Young Woman in a Summer Kimono" by Goyo Hashiguchi splendidly captures a moment of serene elegance. The subject is a young Japanese woman standing gracefully within a traditional interior. She is wearing a beautiful summer kimono, known as yukata, patterned with floral motifs that suggest a light, airy, and festive atmosphere, appropriate for summer. Her kimono is primarily dark blue, adorned with white flowers, while the obi she holds unfolds to reveal a lighter fabric with colorful flowers and butterfly designs.Her hair is styled in a manner typical of the Taisho period, swept up elegantly with a kanzashi (hair ornament), suggesting her preparedness for a social or festive event. The subtle use of colors and the gentle curve of her posture lend a softness to her demeanor, enhancing her youthful beauty.In the background, the detail on the screen partition (byoubu) shows a refined taste in interior decoration, indicative of a cultured household. The muted patterns on the screen complement the vividness of her kimono. On the right, a hanging lantern adds to the cultural setting, providing a hint of evening ambiance.This painting not only highlights the aesthetic of Japanese traditional attire but also reflects the cultural significance of summer and its attire’s role in seasonal social activities.