Piece

Unknown Artist

18th–19th century

Piece by Unknown Artist

Medium

Silk

Dimensions

1 1/4 x 5 1/4 in. (3.17 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

96.14.1045

Art Historical Context

This delicate silk textile fragment, simply titled *Piece*, hails from Japan during the 18th–19th centuries, a time when the country’s Edo and early Meiji periods celebrated exquisite craftsmanship in weaving. Measuring just 1¼ x 5¼ inches, it exemplifies the precision of Japanese textile arts, where silk—prized for its luster and durability—was woven into luxurious garments like kimonos or obi sashes. Though the artist remains unknown, such pieces often emerged from specialized workshops, showcasing the ingenuity of anonymous artisans who transformed fine threads into wearable art. Woven sil...

    Send Feedback

    We use this only to reply to your feedback.