Bright Colors, Stylized Flowers: Notes on Asunta, a Fabric Pattern by Maria Likarz-Strauss

The quality and stylistic richness of the fabric patterns of Maria Likarz-Strauss (1893–1971) are often emphasized in literature about the Wiener Werkstätte (WW). Through her activity in several departments of the company, but in particular through her work for the textile and fashion divisions, Likarz emerged as one of the most influential female artists of the WW.
Her design Asunta, created in 1929, is well known as it is believed to be printed on a kimono worn by Marlene Dietrich in the film Der blaue Engel (The Blue Angel). This paper seeks to shed some light on its possible sources of inspiration and examine some of its practical applications in fashion and interiors.