Piece
Unknown Artist
18th century
Medium
Silk / Compound weave
Dimensions
8 in. × 1 1/4 in. (20.3 × 3.2 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 Kihei Hattori, in memory of his father, Kihei Hattori, 1920
Accession Number
20.148.1027
Art Historical Context
This exquisite silk fragment, woven in a compound technique during Japan's Edo period (1615–8), offers a glimpse into the refined artistry of 18th textile production. Measuring just 8 × 1¼ inches, this narrow "Piece" likely served as part of a larger garment, sash, or decorative banding, showcasing the precision of Japanese weavers who crafted luxurious fabrics for the thriving merchant and samurai classes. Donated to the Metropolitan Museum of Art 1920 by Kihei Hattori in memory of his father, it exemplifies the enduring appreciation for these delicate treasures. The Edo era, a time of relat...