Priest's Hat
Late 19th century, Meiji period (1868–1912)
Medium
Silk and gilt-paper strip; plain weave with secondary binding warps and supplementary patterning wefts
Dimensions
58.7 × 28.6 cm (23 1/8 × 11 1/4 in.); Repeat Warp: 10.2 × 7 cm (4 × 2 3/4 in.)
Classification
textile
Department
Textiles
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
183183
Art Historical Context
Step into the intricate world of textiles with *Priest's Hat*, a stunning artifact from Japan's Meiji period (1868–1912). Crafted in the late 19th century, this ceremonial headpiece reflects a time of profound transformation, as Japan rapidly modernized while preserving revered traditions like Buddhist and Shinto rituals. Worn by priests during religious ceremonies, it embodies the enduring spiritual life amid societal change, now housed in the Art Institute Chicago's Textiles Department. Masterfully woven from silk and gilt-paper strips, the hat employs a plain weave enhanced by secondary bi...
About the Artist
Unknown
The artist designated as "Unknown" in our virtual museum's collection exemplifies a poignant chapter in art history: creators whose identities have faded into obscurity despite the enduring power of their work. With only one known artwork attributed to them in our holdings, this figure represents countless anonymous hands that shaped visual culture across centuries. Museums worldwide, including th...