Piece
Unknown Artist
18th–19th century
Medium
Silk
Dimensions
5 x 1 1/2 in. (12.70 x 3.81 cm)
Classification
Textiles-Woven
Culture & Period
Japan · Edo (1615–1868)
Department
Asian Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. H. O. Havemeyer, 1896
Accession Number
96.14.292
Art Historical Context
This delicate silk textile fragment, woven in Japan during the Edo period (1615–1868), offers a glimpse into the refined artistry of 18th- to 19th-century craftsmanship. Measuring just 5 x 1½ inches, it likely originates from a larger garment, sash, or decorative accessory, reflecting the era's booming textile industry. The Edo period was a time of relative peace and prosperity under the Tokugawa shogunate, fostering vibrant urban culture in cities like Kyoto and Edo (modern Tokyo), where silk weaving flourished as both a practical trade and a symbol of elegance. Crafted from luxurious silk o...