Patterns of Brocades Worn at Court (Shōzoku shokumon zue) 装束織文図会
1815
Medium
Ink and color on paper
Dimensions
Each: 10 1/2 × 7 5/8 × 3/4 in. (26.7 × 19.4 × 1.9 cm)
Classification
Illustrated Books
Culture & Period
Japan · Edo period (1615–1868)
Department
Asian Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of T. Ito. Chicago, III, 1919
Accession Number
JIB70a, b
Tags
Art Historical Context
**Patterns of Brocades Worn at Court (Shōzoku shokumon zue)**, created by Matsuoka Shiben in 1815, is a captivating illustrated book from Japan's Edo period (1615–1868). This compact volume, with pages measuring 10½ × 7⅝ inches, showcases exquisite designs for luxurious brocades destined for court attire. Produced using ink and color on paper, it reflects the era's mastery of precise, vibrant woodblock printing techniques, allowing for intricate patterns that could be faithfully reproduced by textile artisans. During the Edo period, a time of relative peace and cultural flourishing under the ...
About the Artist
Matsuoka Shiben
**Matsuoka Shiben (1764–1840)**, also known as Matsuoka Tokikata (松岡辰方), was a Japanese artist active during the late Edo period, renowned for his meticulous illustrations of textile patterns used in court attire. Specializing in shokumon zue—pattern books that documented intricate brocade designs—Shiben captured the opulent fabrics worn by imperial family members, courtiers, and samurai with extr...