Piece
Unknown Artist
18th–19th century
Medium
Silk
Dimensions
9 3/4 x 9 in. (24.77 x 22.86 cm)
Classification
Textiles-Woven
Culture & Period
Japan · Edo period (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
96.14.505
Art Historical Context
This exquisite silk textile fragment, dating to Japan's Edo period (1615–1868), offers a glimpse into the refined artistry of 18th- to 19th-century weaving traditions. Produced during a time of relative peace and prosperity under the Tokugawa shunate, such pieces were often parts of luxurious garments like kimonos or obis, showcasing Japan's mastery of silk production. Kyoto's renowned weavers, particularly in the Nishijin district, developed intricate techniques using multiple shuttles to create complex patterns without dyes bleeding—a testament to technical innovation centuries before mechan...