Japanese Taishō Art Noveau Kimono

A women's silk kimono with a botanical motif from the Taishō period.

• Eugéne Séguy (1890-1985) was a French entomologist and artist who specialized in Diptera. He combined these two loves by creating illustrations and designs of the various insects he studied. During the 20th century, he became famous for creating eleven albums of nature-themed illustrations and patterns. He was a masterful decorative artist who spanned the eras of Art Nouveau through Art Deco. 
• The artist of this kimono seems to have taken inspiration from Séguy and the Art Nouveau style, incorporating aspects of the artist's pochoir pictured here.