Piece
Unknown Artist
18th–19th century
Medium
Silk
Dimensions
6 x 2 3/4 in. (15.24 x 6.99 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
96.14.401
Art Historical Context
This delicate silk textile fragment, woven in Japan during the Edo period (1615–1868), exemplifies the masterful craftsmanship of the era's thriving textile arts. Measuring just 6 x 2¾ inches, this small "piece" likely served as part of a larger garment, accessory, or decorative item, reflecting the period's emphasis on intricate, luxurious fabrics. Donated to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in 1896 by collectors Mr. and Mrs. H. O. Havemeyer, it offers a glimpse into Japan's sophisticated weaving traditions amid a time of relative peace and economic prosperity. The Edo period marked a golden a...