Fragment textiel

About this artwork

On loan from the Royal Asian Art Society in The Netherlands (purchase Inada Hogitaro, Kyoto, 1930)

Art Historical Context

This delicate silk textile fragment, titledFragment textiel* and dated 1736–0, offers a glimpse into the exquisite craftsmanship of early 18th-century Asia. Measuring just 28.8 cm high by 20.4 cm wide, this anonymous work exemplifies the refinement of silk weaving during Japan's Edo period, a time when textiles were prized for their luxurious sheen, durability, and intricate designs. Silk, derived from silkworm cocoons, was a symbol of wealth and sophistication, often used in garments, furnishings, and ceremonial items. Though specific motifs are not detailed, the fragment's survival highligh...

About the Artist

anonymous

In the vast tapestry of art history, "Anonymous" stands not as a singular individual but as a collective designation for countless unidentified creators whose works have endured across millennia. These artists, spanning prehistoric cave painters to medieval illuminators and folk craftsmen, produced the foundational layers of human visual culture. Prior to the Renaissance, when individual fame emer...