Piece
Unknown Artist
18th–19th century
Medium
Silk
Dimensions
2 x 6 1/4 in. (5.08 x 15.88 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
96.14.1349
Tags
Art Historical Context
This delicate woven silk fragment, created in Japan during the 18th or 19th century, offers a glimpse into the refined textile traditions of the Edo period. Measuring just two by six inches, the piece likely formed part of a larger garment, screen, or ceremonial object. Its classification as a woven textile highlights the sophisticated loom techniques employed by Japanese artisans, who layered silk threads to create intricate patterns that remain vibrant centuries later. Cloud motifs, a recurring theme in Japanese art, often symbolize the heavens, impermanence, and the natural world’s beauty....