Piece

Art Historical Context

This exquisite silk textile fragment, simply titled *Piece*, hails from Japan's Edo period (1615–1868), a time of remarkable cultural flourishing and economic stability under the Tokugawa shogunate. Measuring just 2¾ x 2 inches, this tiny woven artifact offers a glimpse into the refined world of Japanese craftsmanship, where textiles were not merely functional but symbols of status, artistry, and seasonal elegance. Donated to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in 1896 by Mr. and Mrs. H. O. Havemeyer, it resides in the Asian Art department, showcasing the era's mastery of silk production—a luxury m...