Piece
Unknown Artist
18th–19th century
Medium
Silk
Dimensions
4 3/4 x 5 1/4 in. (12.07 x 13.34 cm)
Classification
Textiles-Woven
Culture
Japan
Department
Asian Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. H. O. Havemeyer, 1896
Accession Number
96.14.932
Art Historical Context
This delicate silk textile fragment, titled simply *Piece*, hails from Japan during the 18th19th centuries, a golden era of Edo-period craftsmanship when weaving reached extraordinary heights of refinement. Produced by an unknown artist, this small woven square—measuring just 4¾ x 5¼ inches—exemplifies the meticulous artistry of Japanese textile production. Silk, prized for its luster and durability, was a staple in garments like kimonos and obi sashes, often featuring intricate patterns drawn from nature, seasons, or auspicious motifs that reflected Japan's deep cultural reverence for harmony...