Piece

Art Historical Context

This exquisite silk textile fragment, titled simply *Piece*, hails from Japan during the 18th or 19th century, the refined Edo period (1615–1868) or the transformative Meiji era (1868–1912). Measuring just 6¼ x 4¼ inches, it exemplifies the delicate scale of woven samples often preserved from larger garments like kimonos or obi sashes. Acquired as a gift from Mr. and Mrs. H. O. Havemeyer 1896, it resides in the Metropolitan Museum of's Asian Art Department, showcasing early Western fascination with Japanese craftsmanship. Woven from luxurious silk, this artwork highlights Japan's mastery of t...